

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 of our reports dated January 30, 1997,  except for Note 13, as to which
the date is February 18, 1997 appearing in and  incorporated by reference in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of The AES  Corporation  for the year ended  December
31,  1996,  and to the  reference  to us  under  the  heading  "Experts"  in the
prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Washington, D.C.
June 10, 1997

