World Power Plants

Acaray Dam210 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Acaray Dam is a crucial player in Paraguay's energy sector, ranked as the 3rd largest power generation facility in a nation where hydroelectric capacity dominates, contributing 2.40% to the country's total of 8,760 MW. This facility, with a capacity of 210 MW, is uniquely positioned among just three plants in Paraguay, all of which rely on hydroelectric technology. Commissioned in 1981 and operated by the Administracion Nacional de Electricidad, Acaray Dam exemplifies the utilization of river systems for sustainable energy generation. It is located near the Itaipu Dam, which boasts an impressive capacity of 14,000 MW, making it the largest hydroelectric plant in the world, followed by Itaipu's Brazilian counterpart at 7,000 MW and the Paraguay section of Itaipu Binacional also at 7,000 MW. This proximity to such monumental facilities not only amplifies the importance of Acaray Dam but also highlights the concentration of hydro power resources in this region. Compared to an average capacity of 2,920 MW per plant across the three facilities, Acaray Dam's output reflects its strategic importance in balancing supply within a hydro-dependent grid. Paraguay's energy profile is characterized by its near-total reliance on hydroelectric power, making Acaray Dam an integral component of the national infrastructure, especially as the country strives to meet increasing energy demands. With the global focus on renewable energy, Acaray Dam is positioned to play a vital role in supporting Paraguay's sustainable development goals while ensuring energy security and economic growth.

Capacity
210 MW
Commissioning Year
1981

45 years old

Owner
Administracion Nacional de Electricidad
Location
-25.4591°, -54.6289°

Paraguay, South America

Context & rankings
  • 3. largest of 3 plants in Paraguay
  • #7,221 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,419 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 2.4% of the installed capacity of Paraguay
Age & fleet comparison

45 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Administracion Nacional de Electricidad operates 1 plants totalling 210 MW

Regional density

8 plants within 100 km, 28,499 MW combined

Nearest plant: Itaipu (Parte Brasileira) (5.1 km)

Data provenance

Source: Hydro World

Location

Coordinates:: -25.459100, -54.628900
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Acaray Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 736 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Paraguay
Continent
South America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

ParaguayEnergy Profile

3
Total Plants
8.8 GW
Total Capacity
Hydro
Top Fuels

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