World Power Plants

Valdecañas Dam249 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Mar 2026

Valdecañas Dam is an impressive hydroelectric power generation facility located in Spain, contributing 249 MW of renewable energy capacity to the national grid. With geographical coordinates of 39.7780, -5.6130, this hydroelectric plant harnesses the power of flowing water, utilizing advanced dam technology to generate electricity sustainably. Operated by Iberdrola, one of the leading energy companies in the world, Valdecañas Dam exemplifies Spain's commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into its energy mix. The facility plays a pivotal role in the Iberian Peninsula's energy landscape, where hydroelectric power is a critical component due to its ability to provide base-load power and support grid stability. The Spanish government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production, aiming to increase the share of clean energy in the overall mix, and facilities like Valdecañas Dam are vital in achieving these goals. The 249 MW capacity of this power plant not only supports local energy needs but also contributes to the wider European objectives of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. As Spain continues to invest in renewable energy technology, Valdecañas Dam stands out as a key asset, effectively showcasing the potential of hydroelectric power in addressing energy demands while aligning with national and EU energy policies focused on climate change mitigation. In summary, Valdecañas Dam is a cornerstone of Spain’s renewable energy strategy, providing reliable and efficient energy generation through its hydroelectric capabilities.

Capacity
249 MW
Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Iberdrola
Location
39.7780°, -5.6130°

Spain, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 117. largest of 981 plants in Spain
  • #6,726 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,251 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.2% of the installed capacity of Spain
Age & fleet comparison

20 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Iberdrola operates 66 plants totalling 30,109 MW

Regional density

48 plants within 100 km, 8,269 MW combined

Nearest plant: Almaraz (7 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 39.778000, -5.613000
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Valdecañas Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 872 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
Spain
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

SpainEnergy Profile

981
Total Plants
122.1 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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