<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/AssetImpairments" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#AssetImpairments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#AssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornSolarDropDownAssetDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornSolarDropDownAssetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsCentralCaFuelCell1LlcDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsCentralCaFuelCell1LlcDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsDuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemAcquisitionDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsDuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsUpmcThermalProjectAssetAcquisitionDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#BusinessAcquisitionsUpmcThermalProjectAssetAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquity" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesVolumetricUnderlyingDerivativeTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesVolumetricUnderlyingDerivativeTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesMaturitiesOfOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesMaturitiesOfOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesMinimumFutureRentPaymentsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesMinimumFutureRentPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesRevenueRelatedToLeasesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesRevenueRelatedToLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SegmentReporting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesContractAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesContractAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/AssetImpairments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_39A1E87B7B43C645C1C94DB92966CF10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_239814940B09524D432E4DB92964065A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_39A1E87B7B43C645C1C94DB92966CF10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_239814940B09524D432E4DB92964065A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6044C1EB97E15D2FC9A94DB9296506CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_239814940B09524D432E4DB92964065A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6044C1EB97E15D2FC9A94DB9296506CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_80B9F9B09DF0C34A2FE44DB92965661E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6044C1EB97E15D2FC9A94DB9296506CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_80B9F9B09DF0C34A2FE44DB92965661E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_80B9F9B09DF0C34A2FE44DB92965661E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6044C1EB97E15D2FC9A94DB9296506CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_80B9F9B09DF0C34A2FE44DB92965661E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_D38D8D26D6F080C213144DB92965CF68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_80B9F9B09DF0C34A2FE44DB92965661E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_D38D8D26D6F080C213144DB92965CF68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_67C0E69AF6D33A281D5A4DB929662D24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_39A1E87B7B43C645C1C94DB92966CF10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_67C0E69AF6D33A281D5A4DB929662D24" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsBuckthornSolarDropDownAssetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5773F05F27E1DED0B95B4387EE6839F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5773F05F27E1DED0B95B4387EE6839F2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E5CD2101FEE5B928CE504387EE69AFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5773F05F27E1DED0B95B4387EE6839F2" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E5CD2101FEE5B928CE504387EE69AFBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A493A2B0CA7294575B664387EE69C5C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E5CD2101FEE5B928CE504387EE69AFBC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A493A2B0CA7294575B664387EE69C5C6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A493A2B0CA7294575B664387EE69C5C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E5CD2101FEE5B928CE504387EE69AFBC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A493A2B0CA7294575B664387EE69C5C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_D4C3829D3E727FF3E2574387EE69FC34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A493A2B0CA7294575B664387EE69C5C6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_D4C3829D3E727FF3E2574387EE69FC34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_797C0E5716BE17CC860F4387EE6AAAEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5773F05F27E1DED0B95B4387EE6839F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_797C0E5716BE17CC860F4387EE6AAAEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_797C0E5716BE17CC860F4387EE6AAAEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_797C0E5716BE17CC860F4387EE6AAAEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_D2FDC600A4481B2623164387EE6A870E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_D2FDC600A4481B2623164387EE6A870E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member_53D540F27FA6F48EB3494387EE6A0DCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28EF45872DFB66E707F84387EE6ABDF7" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member_53D540F27FA6F48EB3494387EE6A0DCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EE6534C93EB0B7124DC34387EE6B2687" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5773F05F27E1DED0B95B4387EE6839F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EE6534C93EB0B7124DC34387EE6B2687" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6E2012357CBC3C32AE0E4387EE6BF34A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EE6534C93EB0B7124DC34387EE6B2687" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6E2012357CBC3C32AE0E4387EE6BF34A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6E2012357CBC3C32AE0E4387EE6BF34A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EE6534C93EB0B7124DC34387EE6B2687" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6E2012357CBC3C32AE0E4387EE6BF34A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_B55EB07BC547C00406554387EE6B5D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6E2012357CBC3C32AE0E4387EE6BF34A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_B55EB07BC547C00406554387EE6B5D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4737575935C7885B19C04387EE6CC7A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4737575935C7885B19C04387EE6CC7A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_64C9560E5153339A71BE4387EE6C9EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_64C9560E5153339A71BE4387EE6C9EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_6CFEEF670CC6F8FD38554387EE6CF782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_6CFEEF670CC6F8FD38554387EE6CF782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_5726629539C3733EDD7D4387EE6CE23B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_5726629539C3733EDD7D4387EE6CE23B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_F3B52DAA851A3379B6224387EE6CD94A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_F3B52DAA851A3379B6224387EE6CD94A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_0EC81A680E1F5727DE3D4387EE6DB7F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_0EC81A680E1F5727DE3D4387EE6DB7F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15C18423F371879D9EF54387EE6DACBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_37185B9ACE1A35B8C7D94387EE6C5EAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_15C18423F371879D9EF54387EE6DACBE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsCentralCaFuelCell1LlcDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A400D6752F15C99BB9574387EE79DA8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1000A9201B9521A260AF4387EE788657" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A400D6752F15C99BB9574387EE79DA8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1000A9201B9521A260AF4387EE788657" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EBB050A9EA19831180AE4387EE7837EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1000A9201B9521A260AF4387EE788657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EBB050A9EA19831180AE4387EE7837EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_998E16E1AED88B5915C34387EE789461_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EBB050A9EA19831180AE4387EE7837EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_998E16E1AED88B5915C34387EE789461_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_998E16E1AED88B5915C34387EE789461" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EBB050A9EA19831180AE4387EE7837EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_998E16E1AED88B5915C34387EE789461" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member_5F1D1FC86743BFD05F6B4387EE78085C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_998E16E1AED88B5915C34387EE789461" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member_5F1D1FC86743BFD05F6B4387EE78085C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_33F029FF85419FD7BF0E4387EE79214E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A400D6752F15C99BB9574387EE79DA8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_33F029FF85419FD7BF0E4387EE79214E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_E6D0AEAEB42D3BEA91B44387EE794609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A400D6752F15C99BB9574387EE79DA8F" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_E6D0AEAEB42D3BEA91B44387EE794609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_0CE846E4D7581C72E2CA4387EE79A6FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A400D6752F15C99BB9574387EE79DA8F" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_0CE846E4D7581C72E2CA4387EE79A6FC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsDuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E92A6F8D7197104512DF64C402A4FB46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E92A6F8D7197104512DF64C402A4FB46" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C1788FE44FEF2441CAF64C402A46D25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E92A6F8D7197104512DF64C402A4FB46" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C1788FE44FEF2441CAF64C402A46D25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B45FD49C16B547305F8364C402A536F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C1788FE44FEF2441CAF64C402A46D25" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B45FD49C16B547305F8364C402A536F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B45FD49C16B547305F8364C402A536F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C1788FE44FEF2441CAF64C402A46D25" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B45FD49C16B547305F8364C402A536F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ECPUptownCampusLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ECPUptownCampusLLCMember_D11728B74BB666C9ACA964C402A53B3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B45FD49C16B547305F8364C402A536F8" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ECPUptownCampusLLCMember_D11728B74BB666C9ACA964C402A53B3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1ACA5D6B72B2B5E2B8B64C402A51B42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E92A6F8D7197104512DF64C402A4FB46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1ACA5D6B72B2B5E2B8B64C402A51B42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_772410343F0F1AE00CDC64C402A68433_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1ACA5D6B72B2B5E2B8B64C402A51B42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_772410343F0F1AE00CDC64C402A68433_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_772410343F0F1AE00CDC64C402A68433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F1ACA5D6B72B2B5E2B8B64C402A51B42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_772410343F0F1AE00CDC64C402A68433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember_E60903CA14AD19163F7B64C402A677E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_772410343F0F1AE00CDC64C402A68433" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember_E60903CA14AD19163F7B64C402A677E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_A9DD8F1B4A5B779E902964C402A6A851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_A9DD8F1B4A5B779E902964C402A6A851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_22E9DA65D99875CCF00864C402A73BCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_22E9DA65D99875CCF00864C402A73BCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C4BBD4ED7A6B66B99C3764C402A72FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C4BBD4ED7A6B66B99C3764C402A72FD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_BAB6C0933D19FBFA0C3064C402A77D2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_BAB6C0933D19FBFA0C3064C402A77D2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_41AA81BEA650D10B340B64C402AC1C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9DFBF939ACE389B1557364C402A6B76A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_41AA81BEA650D10B340B64C402AC1C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/BusinessAcquisitionsUpmcThermalProjectAssetAcquisitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6F1CD732CE1C875FAA704387EE92175D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6F1CD732CE1C875FAA704387EE92175D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1D2C162228B33DA044BB4387EE931EF7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6F1CD732CE1C875FAA704387EE92175D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1D2C162228B33DA044BB4387EE931EF7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1D2C162228B33DA044BB4387EE931EF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_6F1CD732CE1C875FAA704387EE92175D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1D2C162228B33DA044BB4387EE931EF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NrgMember_EC364B095AD38A0BD41E4387EE93A21C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1D2C162228B33DA044BB4387EE931EF7" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NrgMember_EC364B095AD38A0BD41E4387EE93A21C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_C4E1D274A591869137984387EE93AB95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_C4E1D274A591869137984387EE93AB95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_40DDA46697F8329349394387EE939D0A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_C4E1D274A591869137984387EE93AB95" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_40DDA46697F8329349394387EE939D0A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_40DDA46697F8329349394387EE939D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_C4E1D274A591869137984387EE93AB95" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_40DDA46697F8329349394387EE939D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_614DF06DAEC8E236584E4387EE9478C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_40DDA46697F8329349394387EE939D0A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_614DF06DAEC8E236584E4387EE9478C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_05C42A8A8F89487C7A654387EE94640A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_05C42A8A8F89487C7A654387EE94640A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BCB8AA6E0F1AB127EEDE4387EE94C9B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_05C42A8A8F89487C7A654387EE94640A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BCB8AA6E0F1AB127EEDE4387EE94C9B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BCB8AA6E0F1AB127EEDE4387EE94C9B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_05C42A8A8F89487C7A654387EE94640A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BCB8AA6E0F1AB127EEDE4387EE94C9B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_UPMCThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_UPMCThermalMember_898336B8691DE4EBE3B54387EE95BA08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BCB8AA6E0F1AB127EEDE4387EE94C9B8" xlink:to="loc_cwen_UPMCThermalMember_898336B8691DE4EBE3B54387EE95BA08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A1146EB81A17136FA564387EE955549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_415C055328E264CA58AC4387EE92C39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A1146EB81A17136FA564387EE955549" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A1146EB81A17136FA564387EE955549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_3A1146EB81A17136FA564387EE955549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember_8AB955F5DFA00CEE37A94387EE951D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DuquesneUniversityDistrictEnergySystemMember_8AB955F5DFA00CEE37A94387EE951D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_UPMCThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_UPMCThermalMember_CDF0E9FAE159A2C489444387EE96C8E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87" xlink:to="loc_cwen_UPMCThermalMember_CDF0E9FAE159A2C489444387EE96C8E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member_9C192771F21D9D2A34A74387EE96BA45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_EF7BCA9590297F7902964387EE958D87" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CentralCAFuelCell1Member_9C192771F21D9D2A34A74387EE96BA45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_0C63E80EB6057E57B84F4387EE96A110" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_0C63E80EB6057E57B84F4387EE96A110" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_366314FA103754E3704E4387EE9686CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_366314FA103754E3704E4387EE9686CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_DF2F480A2761B43C3D094387EE97D35E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_DF2F480A2761B43C3D094387EE97D35E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_FF22279338E5E6FD1C3A4387EE979796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_FF22279338E5E6FD1C3A4387EE979796" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9606EA304C3B374C91B14387EE974DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9606EA304C3B374C91B14387EE974DE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_7CA3147C15D6301E33E24387EE97CE07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_7CA3147C15D6301E33E24387EE97CE07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_29581737DAE590FEC7054387EE97A741" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_D9E54FB71777B77604BC4387EE9664D6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerPurchaseAgreementPeriod_29581737DAE590FEC7054387EE97A741" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E78574F332188AA8A8D74387EBAE082F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E78574F332188AA8A8D74387EBAE082F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BD1B7E9CA78ADE0607654387EBAFAC65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E78574F332188AA8A8D74387EBAE082F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BD1B7E9CA78ADE0607654387EBAFAC65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_89BB90A87E57066FB6974387EBAF6643_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BD1B7E9CA78ADE0607654387EBAFAC65" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_89BB90A87E57066FB6974387EBAF6643_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_89BB90A87E57066FB6974387EBAF6643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_BD1B7E9CA78ADE0607654387EBAFAC65" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_89BB90A87E57066FB6974387EBAF6643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_671432ECE467D490CB404387EBAF29F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_89BB90A87E57066FB6974387EBAF6643" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_671432ECE467D490CB404387EBAF29F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1BD119AA7EEEF87855D94387EBB0C4C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E78574F332188AA8A8D74387EBAE082F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1BD119AA7EEEF87855D94387EBB0C4C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1BD119AA7EEEF87855D94387EBB0C4C1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1BD119AA7EEEF87855D94387EBB0C4C1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_09499C89C9DD1AE7E8974387EBB0B0FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_09499C89C9DD1AE7E8974387EBB0B0FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_A9750D4D68919DB4B7B54387EBB0B6AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C71C1DAD055F70D081FD4387EBB095E4" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_A9750D4D68919DB4B7B54387EBB0B6AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A69658808FD71C7545884387EBB10544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_E78574F332188AA8A8D74387EBAE082F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A69658808FD71C7545884387EBB10544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A69658808FD71C7545884387EBB10544" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_A69658808FD71C7545884387EBB10544" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_F9AF4114C56A42F1C94C4387EBB117D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_F9AF4114C56A42F1C94C4387EBB117D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_2157D0C1333CC04578214387EBB1E3FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_2157D0C1333CC04578214387EBB1E3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8FA615CC6E5DF3436D1B4387EBB2FE3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8FA615CC6E5DF3436D1B4387EBB2FE3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_F91231CBFA3EF4E18F5A4387EBB2231A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B5FF259E7ECA3249ADEF4387EBB15CDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_F91231CBFA3EF4E18F5A4387EBB2231A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_34DB7187366B83972C2B4387EBB2F1FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_34DB7187366B83972C2B4387EBB2F1FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1A3D2449CDAEE6F35DC84387EBB2961E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1A3D2449CDAEE6F35DC84387EBB2961E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_C8226F19B8A178728B544387EBB35213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_C8226F19B8A178728B544387EBB35213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_541BDB017C94B0D818A34387EBB3A59C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_541BDB017C94B0D818A34387EBB3A59C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_A9BC3F4883A54261B6DA4387EBB3EA35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_A9BC3F4883A54261B6DA4387EBB3EA35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_5FFD7B223CBEF6AFFD5C441AA15CA194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_5FFD7B223CBEF6AFFD5C441AA15CA194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_949B4F40AF3B810399A94387EBB40F64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_949B4F40AF3B810399A94387EBB40F64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_9D2056C0962A60AAC4804387EBB44A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_9D2056C0962A60AAC4804387EBB44A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_C3EA0CA3334229084C3A4387EBB4C211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_C3EA0CA3334229084C3A4387EBB4C211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_CD08EA41824BBFDCC3F24387EBB46A7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_CD08EA41824BBFDCC3F24387EBB46A7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3E8B4B7D8984476356004387EBB55D9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3E8B4B7D8984476356004387EBB55D9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_4BFD21697DCE334D05B94387EBB5D7F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_4BFD21697DCE334D05B94387EBB5D7F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3252DFAA0BCBD04071EB4387EBB58A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_3252DFAA0BCBD04071EB4387EBB58A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_CA682D975A2B6C5FE0A14387EBB5FD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_CA682D975A2B6C5FE0A14387EBB5FD86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_0AB198033595644628534387EBB59A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_0AB198033595644628534387EBB59A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_13D5228BFCB1725007044387EBB6E430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_13D5228BFCB1725007044387EBB6E430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt_CBA4EEFB0ADA64EF73994387EBB66646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt_CBA4EEFB0ADA64EF73994387EBB66646" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_8399FFB765EEA7257F1E4387EBB6F404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_8399FFB765EEA7257F1E4387EBB6F404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_9E4223AAFFD106350F284387EBB65693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_9E4223AAFFD106350F284387EBB65693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_F9ABEE9FB87E471253A94387EBB6A525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_F9ABEE9FB87E471253A94387EBB6A525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_EF30D63F4A3038F16FDD4387EBB6A728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_EF30D63F4A3038F16FDD4387EBB6A728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_98FB7B2887B1410020704387EBB611AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_98FB7B2887B1410020704387EBB611AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_C9B0F97523EB590AA07A4387EBB7BDF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_C9B0F97523EB590AA07A4387EBB7BDF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_4625D4225F5BAF87B1344387EBB74C76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_4625D4225F5BAF87B1344387EBB74C76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_E255F82182B8F210285E4387EBB742D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_E255F82182B8F210285E4387EBB742D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_866F61D1D6131F6D3B914387EBB79A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_866F61D1D6131F6D3B914387EBB79A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_93690F37C90324C3B84C4387EBB7341D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_93690F37C90324C3B84C4387EBB7341D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1EDFEC553189660220974387EBB89B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1EDFEC553189660220974387EBB89B0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_28C3FC49061FBA7A22AB4387EBB8231A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_28C3FC49061FBA7A22AB4387EBB8231A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_FFD135D12049110526954387EBB8D4AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_FFD135D12049110526954387EBB8D4AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_D078D9AD9D93F411CE404387EBB8E99A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_D078D9AD9D93F411CE404387EBB8E99A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_327E2D00C89425D2C6F84387EBB8C02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_327E2D00C89425D2C6F84387EBB8C02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_79F4BFEAFA7E304F54804387EBB99EAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_79F4BFEAFA7E304F54804387EBB99EAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_FCF11BA0453FF6A0DEEC4387EBB98CEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_FCF11BA0453FF6A0DEEC4387EBB98CEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8CD6F90B05EBA6602ADB4387EBB93268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8CD6F90B05EBA6602ADB4387EBB93268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A12D40E133DE945349094387EBB93352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D654E7A09C45CB17FC154387EBB225E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A12D40E133DE945349094387EBB93352" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_0B8031F263526C41C2966767B471B34E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_0B8031F263526C41C2966767B471B34E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9181F167E615DDFFBC5B6767B471084D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_0B8031F263526C41C2966767B471B34E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9181F167E615DDFFBC5B6767B471084D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BACFB670C58786727096767B4719E53_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9181F167E615DDFFBC5B6767B471084D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BACFB670C58786727096767B4719E53_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BACFB670C58786727096767B4719E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9181F167E615DDFFBC5B6767B471084D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BACFB670C58786727096767B4719E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AAE937BEEBE2608B188E6767B471CF1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_7BACFB670C58786727096767B4719E53" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_AAE937BEEBE2608B188E6767B471CF1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60E8E39AEAE0D65A33AA6767B4716BDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_0B8031F263526C41C2966767B471B34E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60E8E39AEAE0D65A33AA6767B4716BDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60E8E39AEAE0D65A33AA6767B4716BDC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60E8E39AEAE0D65A33AA6767B4716BDC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_0691062888B5744C0E516767B4714178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_0691062888B5744C0E516767B4714178" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_E18D083C116947AE2CF36767B476A573" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ADEB1E6B2A69A43C13196767B471ABAB" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_E18D083C116947AE2CF36767B476A573" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8F582C7F31BE8E9AEE706767B47B2412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_0B8031F263526C41C2966767B471B34E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8F582C7F31BE8E9AEE706767B47B2412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8F582C7F31BE8E9AEE706767B47B2412" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_8F582C7F31BE8E9AEE706767B47B2412" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_091F1E94484193AB46266767B47B048F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_091F1E94484193AB46266767B47B048F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4F755A183A1873265C7E6767B47B2EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4F755A183A1873265C7E6767B47B2EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7686A41BB576DFA3EDAD6767B47B035F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_7686A41BB576DFA3EDAD6767B47B035F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_9F2F50AD8E2E53CD2E0D6767B47B2960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8F948D77EDD27A5CBC56767B47BD86D" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_9F2F50AD8E2E53CD2E0D6767B47B2960" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1A9821407B5ADB1C7E386767B47B08AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1A9821407B5ADB1C7E386767B47B08AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_09567D1EC2FAB964FA946767B47BDA71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_09567D1EC2FAB964FA946767B47BDA71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_1F7293A8202068B0F2216767B47BC446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_1F7293A8202068B0F2216767B47BC446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests_80BE6A8BA91C20814C806767B47B8E62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests_80BE6A8BA91C20814C806767B47B8E62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_17DF33523C34DE064A476767B47B49A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates_17DF33523C34DE064A476767B47B49A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_68BE7C13A48B5ED7E9D56767B47BAE08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_68BE7C13A48B5ED7E9D56767B47BAE08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_005BEEC1972AE763EC5B6767B47BC416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_005BEEC1972AE763EC5B6767B47BC416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_637443A12E3DE9A5D8536767B47BB420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_637443A12E3DE9A5D8536767B47BB420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_911D070D90360674677D6767B47BD281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_911D070D90360674677D6767B47BD281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_191E11E93A7D7529C0746767B47BE45A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_191E11E93A7D7529C0746767B47BE45A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_AA4FD906E13A87322B6C6767B47B5BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_AA4FD906E13A87322B6C6767B47B5BF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_DF9A91C34BCCA649997A6767B47B1E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_DF9A91C34BCCA649997A6767B47B1E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_14B79CD7C586F5BB9BC86767B47B6691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_14B79CD7C586F5BB9BC86767B47B6691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_D63FDCAB1E9AD51A38166767B47B62B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_D63FDCAB1E9AD51A38166767B47B62B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_BBC79A10899EA002260F6767B47BD5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_BBC79A10899EA002260F6767B47BD5E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_411C002D81329C95C6986767B47BC9BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_411C002D81329C95C6986767B47BC9BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_DDF48B9D0988A5F7F7176767B47B0A75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_DDF48B9D0988A5F7F7176767B47B0A75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_FAFBD4D7BBFD020FA23A6767B47B8D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_FAFBD4D7BBFD020FA23A6767B47B8D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_9F0ABF43E643F3ED4F8E6767B47B10CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_9F0ABF43E643F3ED4F8E6767B47B10CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_A07EB58C2E1AA870EF1B6767B47BBA05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_A07EB58C2E1AA870EF1B6767B47BBA05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_F2BDD172BAAFCCB0F9C06767B47B287D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_F2BDD172BAAFCCB0F9C06767B47B287D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_196FFE8905348DA76B806767B47B11C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_891194CBEE1407F555326767B47B6E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_196FFE8905348DA76B806767B47B11C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_3D8E2B9C93409453F98D5F13F2F74564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_3D8E2B9C93409453F98D5F13F2F74564" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_DF1F2EEC6C291C9B7E375F13F2F89F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_3D8E2B9C93409453F98D5F13F2F74564" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_DF1F2EEC6C291C9B7E375F13F2F89F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63C4DF69D7F3F652BDFB5F13F2F8C73D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_DF1F2EEC6C291C9B7E375F13F2F89F9F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63C4DF69D7F3F652BDFB5F13F2F8C73D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63C4DF69D7F3F652BDFB5F13F2F8C73D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_DF1F2EEC6C291C9B7E375F13F2F89F9F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63C4DF69D7F3F652BDFB5F13F2F8C73D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_943CDC9B06332AC516455F13F2F85DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63C4DF69D7F3F652BDFB5F13F2F8C73D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_943CDC9B06332AC516455F13F2F85DAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F297CFC0C71CA94575C65F13F2F96CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_3D8E2B9C93409453F98D5F13F2F74564" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F297CFC0C71CA94575C65F13F2F96CA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F297CFC0C71CA94575C65F13F2F96CA2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F297CFC0C71CA94575C65F13F2F96CA2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_49C76AAD07E096F0C1505F13F2F9D6BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_49C76AAD07E096F0C1505F13F2F9D6BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_EBF83E009D779B4C871B5F13F2FA3417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B02C797E919265AD1D9A5F13F2F9815B" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_EBF83E009D779B4C871B5F13F2FA3417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_B641FA800E65527914895F13F2FAC7A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_3D8E2B9C93409453F98D5F13F2F74564" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_B641FA800E65527914895F13F2FAC7A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_B641FA800E65527914895F13F2FAC7A4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_B641FA800E65527914895F13F2FAC7A4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_2840678B888EC5EC7E085F13F2FA945B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_2840678B888EC5EC7E085F13F2FA945B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D4289214E97BE96F40D55F13F2FB5878" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D4289214E97BE96F40D55F13F2FB5878" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C916E00C823371839BDB5F13F2FBE967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C916E00C823371839BDB5F13F2FBE967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_6F31C8926A2C4ECFF9F35F13F2FBD545" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C0D6AB133EAD08FFAF445F13F2FAD1CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_6F31C8926A2C4ECFF9F35F13F2FBD545" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3C37B880EB2D0505D4135F13F2FC8587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3C37B880EB2D0505D4135F13F2FC8587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_C833674E7E11A67488F55F13F2FC9BE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_C833674E7E11A67488F55F13F2FC9BE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F926985D2A95F2620DCC5F13F2FCF121" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_F926985D2A95F2620DCC5F13F2FCF121" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_167A6DC8AD3C681F11495F13F2FC0B83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_167A6DC8AD3C681F11495F13F2FC0B83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ED91703D7F6C2D44E6725F13F2FDC5C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_ED91703D7F6C2D44E6725F13F2FDC5C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_1E34DA6C39BD009372595F13F2FD7EE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_B8C1C082559781F119875F13F2FCB8CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_1E34DA6C39BD009372595F13F2FD7EE4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8FEDEFFE4B50F89365F9497119D928AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8FEDEFFE4B50F89365F9497119D928AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FEAB20649C23019054A497119DA8842_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8FEDEFFE4B50F89365F9497119D928AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FEAB20649C23019054A497119DA8842_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FEAB20649C23019054A497119DA8842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8FEDEFFE4B50F89365F9497119D928AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FEAB20649C23019054A497119DA8842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_4D4FEAE971A49C1884F3497119DAA0AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2FEAB20649C23019054A497119DA8842" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_4D4FEAE971A49C1884F3497119DAA0AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F9C35A514F8DBD088E1E497119DBD162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F9C35A514F8DBD088E1E497119DBD162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9CD393F7202F4D9A91C6497119DBA054_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F9C35A514F8DBD088E1E497119DBD162" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9CD393F7202F4D9A91C6497119DBA054_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9CD393F7202F4D9A91C6497119DBA054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_F9C35A514F8DBD088E1E497119DBD162" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9CD393F7202F4D9A91C6497119DBA054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_044B9A33BF3A92BAA70A497119DB7643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_9CD393F7202F4D9A91C6497119DBA054" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_044B9A33BF3A92BAA70A497119DB7643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E014A319722480E1421497119DCB8E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E014A319722480E1421497119DCB8E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E014A319722480E1421497119DCB8E6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E014A319722480E1421497119DCB8E6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NRGYieldLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NRGYieldLLCMember_A4B4FDAD489622BC280D497119DC1769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NRGYieldLLCMember_A4B4FDAD489622BC280D497119DC1769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_0A1A305D05D5D803813F497119DD8797" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NRGYieldOperatingLLCMember_0A1A305D05D5D803813F497119DD8797" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_0AC009D3BCCFD1413E22497119DEDEAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_0AC009D3BCCFD1413E22497119DEDEAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_8C57D64044CF65D1BA30497119DEDEB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E814687C038102BBCEE0497119DCB6FC" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_8C57D64044CF65D1BA30497119DEDEB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4B9BBDE8DA0C58E2A525497119DE628A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_8F75CB77AAE6D17035FC497119D947F9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4B9BBDE8DA0C58E2A525497119DE628A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4B9BBDE8DA0C58E2A525497119DE628A" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4B9BBDE8DA0C58E2A525497119DE628A" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_1A44E24A1B708C49B6FB497119DF03D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_1A44E24A1B708C49B6FB497119DF03D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D8D9A69FD6E2722B82A0497119E02025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D8D9A69FD6E2722B82A0497119E02025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_A1EF13B392404BC9465F497119E15B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_A1EF13B392404BC9465F497119E15B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_D3A105FB8FC5C0264A3F497119E138E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_F2E92565F76E374B5BB5497119DF8667" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_D3A105FB8FC5C0264A3F497119E138E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_456D68D8E80DBB5422DC497119E1FD6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_456D68D8E80DBB5422DC497119E1FD6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_B791474621DB9AA8A3B4497119E2207E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_B791474621DB9AA8A3B4497119E2207E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_082934FDC26B06526207497119E2D909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_082934FDC26B06526207497119E2D909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_F552E7C184FB2BD2C127497119E3C9D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_F552E7C184FB2BD2C127497119E3C9D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_785B1512F4F12B0D40D5497119E3E55E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_785B1512F4F12B0D40D5497119E3E55E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A4D01D43F1FADDCD7CE6497119E308BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A4D01D43F1FADDCD7CE6497119E308BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts_65447E2FB131977BD1DC497119E3622F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts_65447E2FB131977BD1DC497119E3622F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_C53CB02B622E19474BA5497119E4ABE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_DC55CBA0D974564C20D5497119E2F733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_C53CB02B622E19474BA5497119E4ABE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_EFFFEC50C10003524843497119E4A08D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_EFFFEC50C10003524843497119E4A08D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_E0DA85B9DD0B0A791F0C497119E4C1E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_E0DA85B9DD0B0A791F0C497119E4C1E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_DA5E8A7FD93764B38850497119E57757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_DA5E8A7FD93764B38850497119E57757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_C24DD9EFCC5484C531C6497119E550C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_C24DD9EFCC5484C531C6497119E550C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_154990CFAB44EFEFE6AA497119E5906A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_154990CFAB44EFEFE6AA497119E5906A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_41B197D61BBA52FC5BF2497119E63A54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_41B197D61BBA52FC5BF2497119E63A54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_E8E9783952CE1F012736497119E686EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_31C515D755DE8A8B18A1497119E41435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_E8E9783952CE1F012736497119E686EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_E1D56BF709F286B5B482497119E66DB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_E1D56BF709F286B5B482497119E66DB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5EAE6DE9DC534EEA2353497119E6531A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5EAE6DE9DC534EEA2353497119E6531A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2608EB784B87A1009C42497119E6C1A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_B28E8E53049708DC98DC497119E18B98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_2608EB784B87A1009C42497119E6C1A9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_803FEDA9C676A81D15E20A580174D2EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_FB68D88F71EA9FA21A530A58017219FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_803FEDA9C676A81D15E20A580174D2EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_FB68D88F71EA9FA21A530A58017219FF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB8FA22AE48C568C5CFB0A580173133A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_FB68D88F71EA9FA21A530A58017219FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB8FA22AE48C568C5CFB0A580173133A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB8FA22AE48C568C5CFB0A580173133A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB8FA22AE48C568C5CFB0A580173133A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_E76AB1B9E36C7F5130770A580173CA99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_E76AB1B9E36C7F5130770A580173CA99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member_DF35B6B5E7EA6704EA400A58017434EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member_DF35B6B5E7EA6704EA400A58017434EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_B432CED74200AA5D048E0A580174F280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_F3A6BE09BDEDBA50BBAD0A580173A903" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_B432CED74200AA5D048E0A580174F280" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_44BBDE1895289900C0BC0A5801743492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_803FEDA9C676A81D15E20A580174D2EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_44BBDE1895289900C0BC0A5801743492" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_C19E79D83BAF3AAFE8291A13C2D99D78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_C19E79D83BAF3AAFE8291A13C2D99D78" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE6A925C6C3AAF66BE101A13C2DACAE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_C19E79D83BAF3AAFE8291A13C2D99D78" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE6A925C6C3AAF66BE101A13C2DACAE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_34D5A0A039F8C9F010E31A13C2DAFC30_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE6A925C6C3AAF66BE101A13C2DACAE6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_34D5A0A039F8C9F010E31A13C2DAFC30_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_34D5A0A039F8C9F010E31A13C2DAFC30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CE6A925C6C3AAF66BE101A13C2DACAE6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_34D5A0A039F8C9F010E31A13C2DAFC30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7747122B0CBF7388E6571A13C2DAFFC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_34D5A0A039F8C9F010E31A13C2DAFC30" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7747122B0CBF7388E6571A13C2DAFFC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CD765E0E231902EB37D01A13C2DAB6F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_C19E79D83BAF3AAFE8291A13C2D99D78" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CD765E0E231902EB37D01A13C2DAB6F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CD765E0E231902EB37D01A13C2DAB6F1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_CD765E0E231902EB37D01A13C2DAB6F1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_26DA3EE91B3D33A769CF1A13C2DB8864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_26DA3EE91B3D33A769CF1A13C2DB8864" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_C58A0803EDFE11DA2E6D1A13C2DB1140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FB7C2BA2DF7E566A0C411A13C2DBD8B3" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_C58A0803EDFE11DA2E6D1A13C2DB1140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_90F57C087F851103F6011A13C2DBB5AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_C19E79D83BAF3AAFE8291A13C2D99D78" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_90F57C087F851103F6011A13C2DBB5AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_90F57C087F851103F6011A13C2DBB5AE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_90F57C087F851103F6011A13C2DBB5AE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_61CBBB3E9AA25C6878C01A13C2DC1C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_61CBBB3E9AA25C6878C01A13C2DC1C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_85FA1AEEFB540D78399F1A13C2DC6E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_85FA1AEEFB540D78399F1A13C2DC6E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_241879A2494062F8BA861A13C2DCD044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_241879A2494062F8BA861A13C2DCD044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_ECC68C471A5693E0E4511A13C2DC4CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_04F4F7BBD2EAD6D2B1E31A13C2DB2A0E" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_ECC68C471A5693E0E4511A13C2DC4CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt_503DBA9D407776B616B51A13C2DDF719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ExternalCurrentDebt_503DBA9D407776B616B51A13C2DDF719" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A97840992110CFB862FF1A13C2DD6A05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_A97840992110CFB862FF1A13C2DD6A05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F4608DBB8C2610B1867E1A13C2DDB49B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F4608DBB8C2610B1867E1A13C2DDB49B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_0B5EBFD5FBF10139C5E91A13C2DD6EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_0B5EBFD5FBF10139C5E91A13C2DD6EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_79863576D258A924B9E71A13C2DD4B1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_79863576D258A924B9E71A13C2DD4B1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_176943F05599A3C671E81A13C2DE0AE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_176943F05599A3C671E81A13C2DE0AE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_0A548C6C4ED30127D9B21A13C2DE6A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_0A548C6C4ED30127D9B21A13C2DE6A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_344AFB6348AEC297BF7E1A13C2DE1A0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_344AFB6348AEC297BF7E1A13C2DE1A0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_6745FD0A002139E1F40C1A13C2DE6972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_6745FD0A002139E1F40C1A13C2DE6972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_A2B817EEDD80CEEAEB791A13C2DEDD4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_A2B817EEDD80CEEAEB791A13C2DEDD4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_B5A238A93664885F4EAE1A13C2DE789E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_B5A238A93664885F4EAE1A13C2DE789E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_11E6103040174CF8FDBC1A13C2DEDB42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_11E6103040174CF8FDBC1A13C2DEDB42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_7D059C8DE84E3634B95D1A13C2DF00A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_7D059C8DE84E3634B95D1A13C2DF00A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638ECB81FE4A7B39CAD21A13C2DFC816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_638ECB81FE4A7B39CAD21A13C2DFC816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_B1A7CB6AA3982AAEC0651A13C2DFCD89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_B1A7CB6AA3982AAEC0651A13C2DFCD89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9105DB67C7B4D9C306371A13C2DFC30B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_9105DB67C7B4D9C306371A13C2DFC30B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AffiliateCurrentDebt" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AffiliateCurrentDebt_E763DB1588A59F6DA0251A13C2DFD036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AffiliateCurrentDebt_E763DB1588A59F6DA0251A13C2DFD036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_9BC1B788E6F1B5A911B11A13C2DF7C31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_9BC1B788E6F1B5A911B11A13C2DF7C31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_FDA5271D9E0EDB1F7C391A13C2E0870D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent_FDA5271D9E0EDB1F7C391A13C2E0870D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_7CE4D6F17F602CC02A411A13C2E081B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_7CE4D6F17F602CC02A411A13C2E081B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_426E477B097A77E570221A13C2E0C40D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_426E477B097A77E570221A13C2E0C40D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_119384B959CBC3EAD7111A13C2E0BAD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_119384B959CBC3EAD7111A13C2E0BAD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_8D1F721C97A4AE92CD1F1A13C2E0A1D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_8D1F721C97A4AE92CD1F1A13C2E0A1D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_AFB0DBE2E129DD5FA45B1A13C2E05FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_AFB0DBE2E129DD5FA45B1A13C2E05FE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_55C634880B5349FF2CF11A13C2E1EAE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_55C634880B5349FF2CF11A13C2E1EAE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F31D5328B76261D243B01A13C2E1E03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F31D5328B76261D243B01A13C2E1E03E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B2988C62BBCCE62B11E51A13C2E19333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B2988C62BBCCE62B11E51A13C2E19333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_A043497989225091317C1A13C2E11640" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_A043497989225091317C1A13C2E11640" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_DC03381190BC1052D6291A13C2E1E440" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_DC03381190BC1052D6291A13C2E1E440" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_3C0CD56C8ABAA852F49E1A13C2E1773C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersCapital_3C0CD56C8ABAA852F49E1A13C2E1773C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_34D47B1C400979D1A5341A13C2E1DC1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_34D47B1C400979D1A5341A13C2E1DC1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_76A20D35FE4BC1F8136E1A13C2E2CBE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_76A20D35FE4BC1F8136E1A13C2E2CBE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_26C898D980BEC56DC8771A13C2E2BCA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquityAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_26C898D980BEC56DC8771A13C2E2BCA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_CC28EC32637F1A8DCECF1A13C2E28C82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_CC28EC32637F1A8DCECF1A13C2E28C82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A549DFB0CDD4841FF0691A13C2E2E69A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_D28DC96B777A9D93B54F1A13C2DC5043" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A549DFB0CDD4841FF0691A13C2E2E69A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8297EB6F813EA8E88559596515976523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8297EB6F813EA8E88559596515976523" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09AE1C2CCB04FE998A37596515989616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8297EB6F813EA8E88559596515976523" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09AE1C2CCB04FE998A37596515989616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_90218978F1CBE259634C5965159820DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09AE1C2CCB04FE998A37596515989616" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_90218978F1CBE259634C5965159820DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_90218978F1CBE259634C5965159820DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09AE1C2CCB04FE998A37596515989616" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_90218978F1CBE259634C5965159820DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7A0D32833D918DC87AD95965159D19D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_90218978F1CBE259634C5965159820DA" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_7A0D32833D918DC87AD95965159D19D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2F7EA75D0A577CFE8A0E5965159E2F7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8297EB6F813EA8E88559596515976523" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2F7EA75D0A577CFE8A0E5965159E2F7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2F7EA75D0A577CFE8A0E5965159E2F7F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2F7EA75D0A577CFE8A0E5965159E2F7F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_5499DD992F323FCFDBAE5965159ECA8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_5499DD992F323FCFDBAE5965159ECA8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_9D418A8A832DB2668BF35965159F11D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_19DBD83CCDB00FDB30C15965159EBE28" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_9D418A8A832DB2668BF35965159F11D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_785C5B3C117C023C73B35965159FF47D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_8297EB6F813EA8E88559596515976523" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_785C5B3C117C023C73B35965159FF47D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_785C5B3C117C023C73B35965159FF47D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_785C5B3C117C023C73B35965159FF47D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_209B491EFBCE50FA5FFA5965159F1DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_209B491EFBCE50FA5FFA5965159F1DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_19C2C39A7789590CDDC1596515A073F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_19C2C39A7789590CDDC1596515A073F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C7AFC2C20DF0BDFAA112596515A008F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_C7AFC2C20DF0BDFAA112596515A008F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_990D2DB2AB6A8226D3A3596515A03282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6D58A9E7566FAF1608405965159F2E61" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_990D2DB2AB6A8226D3A3596515A03282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B7BAEF00D1A1537414B4596515A0FA46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B7BAEF00D1A1537414B4596515A0FA46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_636B63AB1B9BAF60E8B8596515A14F3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_IntercompanyPaymentstoReceiptsfromConsolidatedSubsidiaries_636B63AB1B9BAF60E8B8596515A14F3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_2FEA534AC5C2F56084C3596515A1E404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_2FEA534AC5C2F56084C3596515A1E404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_B1485B9DC6EF30EF04A5596515A1E61F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PaymenttoAcquireBusinessunderCommonControl_B1485B9DC6EF30EF04A5596515A1E61F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_FFDA2975852D5AA12176596515A1D0EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_FFDA2975852D5AA12176596515A1D0EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_63733F1C3DDBECD8ABBC596515A234DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivables_63733F1C3DDBECD8ABBC596515A234DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_3CDAAA0E439D4D5E8D3B596515A2F571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_3CDAAA0E439D4D5E8D3B596515A2F571" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_CBA483BC8B6174AD781A596515A22FCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_CBA483BC8B6174AD781A596515A22FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_BAC97E1340C34C81C46A596515A29A9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_BAC97E1340C34C81C46A596515A29A9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3219AD0BEA6B1EA634D6596515A2E886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3219AD0BEA6B1EA634D6596515A2E886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_CE822A7F3857355469CC596515A219AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ProceedsFromPaymentsToIntercompanyLoans_CE822A7F3857355469CC596515A219AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_106C0040EEDB33259D75596515A263F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders_106C0040EEDB33259D75596515A263F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_B9EAF9CB725F6396F231596515A330B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_B9EAF9CB725F6396F231596515A330B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_6C04416AA1F269C94D29596515A3A1D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PaymentsofProceedsfromdistributions_6C04416AA1F269C94D29596515A3A1D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_875853A9F6FFC373E242596515A37E6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_875853A9F6FFC373E242596515A37E6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_890C3BE64138F3F2B4EC596515A36A90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_890C3BE64138F3F2B4EC596515A36A90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_F1B88CDA57569D920CAF596515A3EE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_F1B88CDA57569D920CAF596515A3EE06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_2A25B4CAC9EA155813B2596515A49467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_2A25B4CAC9EA155813B2596515A49467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_58422ACC8EA854158E60596515A9AB36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_58422ACC8EA854158E60596515A9AB36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_3B855999CBE8CEF732D9596515A93ABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_3B855999CBE8CEF732D9596515A93ABF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_EA5E801AADC3D1347428596515A9C861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_EA5E801AADC3D1347428596515A9C861" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_62E7B4D90844AE5A5F32596515A9B2BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_3A37955919A59094AAAA596515A0853E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_62E7B4D90844AE5A5F32596515A9B2BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_23D9C92E34C8EE44FFFC5F13F20DC83B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_23D9C92E34C8EE44FFFC5F13F20DC83B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C2717A3BE598D947E0EF5F13F20D0AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_23D9C92E34C8EE44FFFC5F13F20DC83B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C2717A3BE598D947E0EF5F13F20D0AA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_653D0443BB64AA3664BC5F13F20E34F1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C2717A3BE598D947E0EF5F13F20D0AA0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_653D0443BB64AA3664BC5F13F20E34F1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_653D0443BB64AA3664BC5F13F20E34F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C2717A3BE598D947E0EF5F13F20D0AA0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_653D0443BB64AA3664BC5F13F20E34F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_6E6AB4284FDCBA33D83C5F13F20EF544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_653D0443BB64AA3664BC5F13F20E34F1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_6E6AB4284FDCBA33D83C5F13F20EF544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86481251654615B463915F13F20E422C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_23D9C92E34C8EE44FFFC5F13F20DC83B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86481251654615B463915F13F20E422C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86481251654615B463915F13F20E422C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86481251654615B463915F13F20E422C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_D78FC8A91CB4A5D4F8115F13F20FCE31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_D78FC8A91CB4A5D4F8115F13F20FCE31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_380C46D1C1BD539A3BAE5F13F20FA577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_050D796EF909624563F65F13F20E80B1" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_380C46D1C1BD539A3BAE5F13F20FA577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_D71E88B80B0891474F055F13F20F6CFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_23D9C92E34C8EE44FFFC5F13F20DC83B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_D71E88B80B0891474F055F13F20F6CFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_D71E88B80B0891474F055F13F20F6CFC" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_D71E88B80B0891474F055F13F20F6CFC" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_C0A683397EA8D175BABD5F13F210E69D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_C0A683397EA8D175BABD5F13F210E69D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D7F6B67BB29A693AB8875F13F210FFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D7F6B67BB29A693AB8875F13F210FFB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_BA24D8950151FFC6BBB95F13F2169827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_BA24D8950151FFC6BBB95F13F2169827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_A3C1670CDEFB3D19795D5F13F2167ADF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B352C045BB8BAFCEDD275F13F20FD312" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_A3C1670CDEFB3D19795D5F13F2167ADF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D62EB9B1D51577D59D475F13F2171E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_D62EB9B1D51577D59D475F13F2171E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_14A596E938EE43BEDD495F13F2172945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_14A596E938EE43BEDD495F13F2172945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_06B216CB8FC5FFF7667D5F13F2173D32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_06B216CB8FC5FFF7667D5F13F2173D32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C54709DAB13E25871EBE5F13F217BFC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C54709DAB13E25871EBE5F13F217BFC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9F1D7CBBC57DEA72EA155F13F21846A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_9F1D7CBBC57DEA72EA155F13F21846A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_BDFA545D4642F11D195C5F13F2188701" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_532AE3585F10030490585F13F2164417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_BDFA545D4642F11D195C5F13F2188701" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationPpIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_E7076763F0B6F7A4F260497119595534" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_E7076763F0B6F7A4F260497119595534" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3A58BA4D76B4D9EF98EC49711959DA13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_E7076763F0B6F7A4F260497119595534" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3A58BA4D76B4D9EF98EC49711959DA13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_75A03B2F28ED4FF5F29249711959C8E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3A58BA4D76B4D9EF98EC49711959DA13" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_75A03B2F28ED4FF5F29249711959C8E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_75A03B2F28ED4FF5F29249711959C8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3A58BA4D76B4D9EF98EC49711959DA13" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_75A03B2F28ED4FF5F29249711959C8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_4E308F233AF2EA01F8EA4971195ABB8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_75A03B2F28ED4FF5F29249711959C8E9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_4E308F233AF2EA01F8EA4971195ABB8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0EF7D1E03B891B484ABA4971195B324A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_E7076763F0B6F7A4F260497119595534" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0EF7D1E03B891B484ABA4971195B324A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0EF7D1E03B891B484ABA4971195B324A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0EF7D1E03B891B484ABA4971195B324A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_C0AFF117577B74795B764971195B78DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_C0AFF117577B74795B764971195B78DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_A5789D9AD2D478E9D2484971195CC07F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1BE004012C1F0F925874971195B1DEE" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyOperatingLLCMember_A5789D9AD2D478E9D2484971195CC07F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ED0C5FAF66C16E312B584971195C2255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_E7076763F0B6F7A4F260497119595534" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ED0C5FAF66C16E312B584971195C2255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ED0C5FAF66C16E312B584971195C2255" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ED0C5FAF66C16E312B584971195C2255" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B90D1BB4D5F43D7E3FF44971195DF6D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_B90D1BB4D5F43D7E3FF44971195DF6D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_BEA7E01834C61AE84BAA4971195D7FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:to="loc_srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_BEA7E01834C61AE84BAA4971195D7FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8D15BB66042BFEE38D814971195D3DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:to="loc_srt_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_8D15BB66042BFEE38D814971195D3DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_D87B481B9371D6C4EFC34971195DE8BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_228C85122769925A0DB34971195CA82E" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiaryIssuerMember_D87B481B9371D6C4EFC34971195DE8BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_77E3AEEF833C7D38928E4971195E3707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_77E3AEEF833C7D38928E4971195E3707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_6FEFDC9F3BAB600D85814971195E6A1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_6FEFDC9F3BAB600D85814971195E6A1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_062BEB6AB9ED51FEFA824971195F80C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_062BEB6AB9ED51FEFA824971195F80C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_6E4B375A5E4124D43FB0497119605FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_6E4B375A5E4124D43FB0497119605FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_EA7F99C59DFD470A6F0F497119603D27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_EA7F99C59DFD470A6F0F497119603D27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C5FBBB168DCAD8FF6AFD497119606DB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52A82E83E92961F2A04B4971195EF452" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C5FBBB168DCAD8FF6AFD497119606DB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8AB8459771632E1E07B24971196037CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8AB8459771632E1E07B24971196037CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0D80056CA7BA9AF561EF49711960056D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0D80056CA7BA9AF561EF49711960056D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_104A6A3DCE014A4F814549711961E0E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EquityInEarningsOfConsolidatedSubsidiaries_104A6A3DCE014A4F814549711961E0E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3A2AD99CE760AEFBEFE849711961AEFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3A2AD99CE760AEFBEFE849711961AEFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_324AA578372B82EED14E4971196231AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_324AA578372B82EED14E4971196231AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_46DCD468442570B9F2A949711962FAE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_46DCD468442570B9F2A949711962FAE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1CBDBBAFBEDB506ADBCD49711962F0D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_1CBDBBAFBEDB506ADBCD49711962F0D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_CFD5A1EBC7B2FDD89D8649711963CE37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_CFD5A1EBC7B2FDD89D8649711963CE37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_14B7226A4D4BDAC3A2504971196327D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_14B7226A4D4BDAC3A2504971196327D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F109594A25BBF67D80A749711963ED1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F109594A25BBF67D80A749711963ED1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FB7D6C776D710DFC5E2E497119638512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7670844C11C25C18A8184971195E290C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FB7D6C776D710DFC5E2E497119638512" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfMembersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5F8E443BF38E3C8ECE886767B7AA8817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FEFC9B7F8940CC7DB0396767B7A5C526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5F8E443BF38E3C8ECE886767B7AA8817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FEFC9B7F8940CC7DB0396767B7A5C526" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D27818979EF42170CC8B6767B7A58650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FEFC9B7F8940CC7DB0396767B7A5C526" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D27818979EF42170CC8B6767B7A58650" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D27818979EF42170CC8B6767B7A58650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D27818979EF42170CC8B6767B7A58650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_FC911BB3EC82B9D3B6706767B7A58D10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_FC911BB3EC82B9D3B6706767B7A58D10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_372FF6E6857271FB61AD6767B7A55B13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_372FF6E6857271FB61AD6767B7A55B13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BF1ADA054126EFFB10306767B7A51810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_BF1ADA054126EFFB10306767B7A51810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_85CC07E4A1BAC19214E16767B7A5C96A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2F2A7D9BA84EE1711D176767B7A5321E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_85CC07E4A1BAC19214E16767B7A5C96A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_C63280EECFF60C02324B6767B7A5BDB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FEFC9B7F8940CC7DB0396767B7A5C526" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_C63280EECFF60C02324B6767B7A5BDB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_C63280EECFF60C02324B6767B7A5BDB5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_C63280EECFF60C02324B6767B7A5BDB5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NrgMember_0EC255896679AE9F14086767B7A5FB04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NrgMember_0EC255896679AE9F14086767B7A5FB04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member_1B22CBE4600597F37A836767B7A5780B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member_1B22CBE4600597F37A836767B7A5780B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CEGMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CEGMember_851805C61EC9A70440896767B7AAF641" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_459974FB5A1EF6251A796767B7A5B26B" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CEGMember_851805C61EC9A70440896767B7AAF641" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5F8E443BF38E3C8ECE886767B7AA8817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E6B322C9CBE60E7AB3526767B7AA01B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLlcMembersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E6B322C9CBE60E7AB3526767B7AA01B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_470B4B9CC26E9935D1356767B7AA9284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_470B4B9CC26E9935D1356767B7AA9284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_F3C9EAB872DAC1F2350A6767B7AA2773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_F3C9EAB872DAC1F2350A6767B7AA2773" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_4A46AC70972377A5DA026767B7AA20B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_4A46AC70972377A5DA026767B7AA20B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_DC0A2C9583E135EE40546767B7AA7E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_DC0A2C9583E135EE40546767B7AA7E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPaymentToAcquireBusinessUnderCommonControl" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPaymentToAcquireBusinessUnderCommonControl_9186D8FD28FFA53A6A246767B7AA82B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPaymentToAcquireBusinessUnderCommonControl_9186D8FD28FFA53A6A246767B7AA82B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsPaidNonCashNetOfContributions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsPaidNonCashNetOfContributions_AE57009780B61A25E1936767B7AFA542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsPaidNonCashNetOfContributions_AE57009780B61A25E1936767B7AFA542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_938C3602DB789CC9A6146767B7AFB399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_938C3602DB789CC9A6146767B7AFB399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_AB6B8540877F97FDD8356767B7AF3987" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_AB6B8540877F97FDD8356767B7AF3987" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_5735CA95BA6C4910104D6767B7AFB91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_5735CA95BA6C4910104D6767B7AFB91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsAndReturnOfCapitalNetOfCashContributions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsAndReturnOfCapitalNetOfCashContributions_61BF23D2C4734264D7746767B7AFD6DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDistributionsAndReturnOfCapitalNetOfCashContributions_61BF23D2C4734264D7746767B7AFD6DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_DB6D4AF358B30544F8B36767B7AF4A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_871826CFC9A346EFCED36767B7AA3BBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_DB6D4AF358B30544F8B36767B7AF4A61" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAociDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_BC4EF0B7184BD567BAF763111152434F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_82A834478285DD4D086A6311114FC685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_BC4EF0B7184BD567BAF763111152434F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_82A834478285DD4D086A6311114FC685" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_60F9C988D777DB8A6E736311114FE9A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_82A834478285DD4D086A6311114FC685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_60F9C988D777DB8A6E736311114FE9A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_ECDC576C37DE96AB6E686311114F93AE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_60F9C988D777DB8A6E736311114FE9A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_ECDC576C37DE96AB6E686311114F93AE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_ECDC576C37DE96AB6E686311114F93AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_60F9C988D777DB8A6E736311114FE9A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_ECDC576C37DE96AB6E686311114F93AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_EF599925692DFEC8562363111150D15F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_ECDC576C37DE96AB6E686311114F93AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_EF599925692DFEC8562363111150D15F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E9EAD76616FBFA28B9AD63111151AB33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_82A834478285DD4D086A6311114FC685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E9EAD76616FBFA28B9AD63111151AB33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E9EAD76616FBFA28B9AD63111151AB33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E9EAD76616FBFA28B9AD63111151AB33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_7DA0FB3426BA514DA74163111151D4A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_7DA0FB3426BA514DA74163111151D4A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_33F50F44A62F42C987E963111152B448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_33F50F44A62F42C987E963111152B448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_50F310102C7DB737B9AB63111152F2A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_50F310102C7DB737B9AB63111152F2A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A036D112E85EFDFA71E263111152F5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C4CBC1B1B1B884ED5AA631111511566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_A036D112E85EFDFA71E263111152F5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_BC4EF0B7184BD567BAF763111152434F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7D6B11716317CF3F797D63111153F795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7D6B11716317CF3F797D63111153F795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_82868D363054778BF73263111153726E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_82868D363054778BF73263111153726E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0D4A8A45BE4C426090716311115359D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0D4A8A45BE4C426090716311115359D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2AE71A2FC1FCAAA0EAFF63111154C759" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_2AE71A2FC1FCAAA0EAFF63111154C759" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_8F312BCADEFE6B1018BD631111544548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_C1FF3CC6CF1BF9545171631111521AB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths_8F312BCADEFE6B1018BD631111544548" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesFvOfDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_9C2A28472C033075CECD4A2EDBF1EA99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_9C2A28472C033075CECD4A2EDBF1EA99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D29642229CF59913FFF14A2EDBF17EEB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_9C2A28472C033075CECD4A2EDBF1EA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D29642229CF59913FFF14A2EDBF17EEB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D29642229CF59913FFF14A2EDBF17EEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_9C2A28472C033075CECD4A2EDBF1EA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D29642229CF59913FFF14A2EDBF17EEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_E13D0C45D9DDB44AD4854A2EDBF14A24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D29642229CF59913FFF14A2EDBF17EEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_E13D0C45D9DDB44AD4854A2EDBF14A24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_77A62DB6D53346EB7CA74A2EDBF2BC6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_77A62DB6D53346EB7CA74A2EDBF2BC6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_77A62DB6D53346EB7CA74A2EDBF2BC6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_77A62DB6D53346EB7CA74A2EDBF2BC6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_CF0869ECE6352297B42E4A2EDBF222A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD" xlink:to="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_CF0869ECE6352297B42E4A2EDBF222A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_InterestMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_InterestMember_7F08F615212C45BDBC014A2EDBF3FFC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_CEB1485C186D3EE4C2D44A2EDBF2DAFD" xlink:to="loc_cwen_InterestMember_7F08F615212C45BDBC014A2EDBF3FFC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_411D936801AF81CDD42B4A2EDBF37FAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_411D936801AF81CDD42B4A2EDBF37FAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_411D936801AF81CDD42B4A2EDBF37FAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_411D936801AF81CDD42B4A2EDBF37FAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_InterestRateContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_0204C885D026381C58904A2EDBF3D3EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_cwen_InterestRateContractCurrentMember_0204C885D026381C58904A2EDBF3D3EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_C26B48E539F08538E8EF4A2EDBF4E58E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_cwen_InterestRateContractNonCurrentMember_C26B48E539F08538E8EF4A2EDBF4E58E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CommodityContractCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CommodityContractCurrentMember_562BC981F182485898A74A2EDBF4CE5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CommodityContractCurrentMember_562BC981F182485898A74A2EDBF4CE5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CommodityContractNonCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CommodityContractNonCurrentMember_71B982DE7082C554A6734A2EDBF40F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CommodityContractNonCurrentMember_71B982DE7082C554A6734A2EDBF40F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_983AB3772DD48C2FA0404A2EDBF41469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_983AB3772DD48C2FA0404A2EDBF41469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_93C2EA8573C7EA131CA94A2EDBF405E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1B11C6A7A8A186ED55E84A2EDBF3F528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_93C2EA8573C7EA131CA94A2EDBF405E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_1018DF6429ACFE2828524A2EDBF51B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D7F27441C3D15DCFF3E54A2EDBF05CDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_1018DF6429ACFE2828524A2EDBF51B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_1018DF6429ACFE2828524A2EDBF51B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_1018DF6429ACFE2828524A2EDBF51B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_957B718A0BB2099C27584A2EDBF5EDCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_957B718A0BB2099C27584A2EDBF5EDCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_C2340874C9E4F45E17AE4A2EDBF52CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4084570141679DD0EC124A2EDBF5244A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_C2340874C9E4F45E17AE4A2EDBF52CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_D05C073FD3B8B6EBBDA24A2EDBF6CB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_D05C073FD3B8B6EBBDA24A2EDBF6CB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_91B2FBBA3427192D804C4A2EDBF6D8D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_91B2FBBA3427192D804C4A2EDBF6D8D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_cwen_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet_C88901E316B5C400898E4A2EDBF6D97B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_cwen_FairValueofGrossDerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesNet_C88901E316B5C400898E4A2EDBF6D97B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_9E3B6466D1B3D8DC29414A2EDBF7C5D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_9E3B6466D1B3D8DC29414A2EDBF7C5D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_F46DB4E9A84B55B965934A2EDBF7EC74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_F46DB4E9A84B55B965934A2EDBF7EC74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_76DE1CE2F0BFB76A71C14A2EDBF7A258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_76DE1CE2F0BFB76A71C14A2EDBF7A258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_832E27F748A2108D88954A2EDBF72957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_832E27F748A2108D88954A2EDBF72957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_D2E45755E041CDCE87344A2EDBF7E732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_D2E45755E041CDCE87344A2EDBF7E732" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_3CC1D13BB93EDCC50F6B4A2EDBF7A03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralNetOfDerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_3CC1D13BB93EDCC50F6B4A2EDBF7A03E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4BAE9E31519F21A33F3A4A2EDBF81903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_4BAE9E31519F21A33F3A4A2EDBF81903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_3577C878A6A6AD6B20474A2EDBF80CC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_3577C878A6A6AD6B20474A2EDBF80CC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_0C72CCE0456372FE98DB4A2EDBF85A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_79F5B4D146A8B0966A6E4A2EDBF6F488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_0C72CCE0456372FE98DB4A2EDBF85A6E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesImpactOnStatementOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_AD74C97C302B2730E0D34A2EDC03B40B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_FFE87EBE1A96AEB9076A4A2EDC001035" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_AD74C97C302B2730E0D34A2EDC03B40B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_FFE87EBE1A96AEB9076A4A2EDC001035" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2CA4C62231CB1FC621EB4A2EDC0145B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_FFE87EBE1A96AEB9076A4A2EDC001035" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2CA4C62231CB1FC621EB4A2EDC0145B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2CA4C62231CB1FC621EB4A2EDC0145B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2CA4C62231CB1FC621EB4A2EDC0145B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_4AD50A506F790CAC7FD74A2EDC02FD0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_4AD50A506F790CAC7FD74A2EDC02FD0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_3240E198C3213690E1F64A2EDC02A6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A59D88E6CA8EB3945ED04A2EDC01AC6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_3240E198C3213690E1F64A2EDC02A6CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E010B76672F0B66B37844A2EDC0223D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_FFE87EBE1A96AEB9076A4A2EDC001035" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E010B76672F0B66B37844A2EDC0223D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_21C3BB5B349EA02202474A2EDC02A973_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E010B76672F0B66B37844A2EDC0223D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_21C3BB5B349EA02202474A2EDC02A973_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_21C3BB5B349EA02202474A2EDC02A973" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_E010B76672F0B66B37844A2EDC0223D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_21C3BB5B349EA02202474A2EDC02A973" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_191854C314487D0A72AB4A2EDC0339BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_21C3BB5B349EA02202474A2EDC02A973" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_191854C314487D0A72AB4A2EDC0339BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_DFF5358E05CC0BA878CB4A2EDC0398E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_AD74C97C302B2730E0D34A2EDC03B40B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_DFF5358E05CC0BA878CB4A2EDC0398E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_F3014603682446E2322C4A2EDC0473D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_AD74C97C302B2730E0D34A2EDC03B40B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLossOnDerivative_F3014603682446E2322C4A2EDC0473D4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesVolumetricUnderlyingDerivativeTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_36AE5E65D08797C267704A2EDA56BC14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CDD578695E78DD00C8B04A2EDA525006" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_36AE5E65D08797C267704A2EDA56BC14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CDD578695E78DD00C8B04A2EDA525006" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_8EDA8C56C76D43B6ACF24A2EDA53C4EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_CDD578695E78DD00C8B04A2EDA525006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_8EDA8C56C76D43B6ACF24A2EDA53C4EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_8EDA8C56C76D43B6ACF24A2EDA53C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_8EDA8C56C76D43B6ACF24A2EDA53C4EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerMember_1900568D48FF8718596A4A2EDA550510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerMember_1900568D48FF8718596A4A2EDA550510" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NaturalGasReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_4157EF703559A0BC49A64A2EDA5619E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541" xlink:to="loc_srt_NaturalGasReservesMember_4157EF703559A0BC49A64A2EDA5619E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_InterestMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_InterestMember_6BABC5B488A339D2707C4A2EDA56B275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_3AD9F469942C6B41E2F94A2EDA551541" xlink:to="loc_cwen_InterestMember_6BABC5B488A339D2707C4A2EDA56B275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_6A4F8C4D630EE896BD9D4A2EDA565C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_36AE5E65D08797C267704A2EDA56BC14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_6A4F8C4D630EE896BD9D4A2EDA565C4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_A66BDCF122F35A4E6CC74A2EDA57DE20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_36AE5E65D08797C267704A2EDA56BC14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_A66BDCF122F35A4E6CC74A2EDA57DE20" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_BA6E260FBA4326D582B566DCEE48AD8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_BA6E260FBA4326D582B566DCEE48AD8C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EA1C7C6ADF37ECBA4C7966DCEE494480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_BA6E260FBA4326D582B566DCEE48AD8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EA1C7C6ADF37ECBA4C7966DCEE494480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EA1C7C6ADF37ECBA4C7966DCEE494480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EA1C7C6ADF37ECBA4C7966DCEE494480" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_5254669D24A05D70760666DCEE4A31EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_5254669D24A05D70760666DCEE4A31EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_6DA8B64154A0805F9B4966DCEE4B8E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_6DA8B64154A0805F9B4966DCEE4B8E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_6ED899AACD4D122E780B66DCEE4BB0D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_6ED899AACD4D122E780B66DCEE4BB0D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CommonClassDMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CommonClassDMember_DECC3F2FF75A917B098266DCEE4B2F9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9C8D8EECB43716C7858366DCEE4AFF61" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CommonClassDMember_DECC3F2FF75A917B098266DCEE4B2F9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_CB712D00657B6615E6E266DCEE4C43E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_CB712D00657B6615E6E266DCEE4C43E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_6723D7A4D54D3CCD6C1A66DCEE4C1CA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_6723D7A4D54D3CCD6C1A66DCEE4C1CA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_B1F56E2DAB6F2501B3F566DCEE4C60A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_B1F56E2DAB6F2501B3F566DCEE4C60A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_CBD2ECE153DC474B7BAE66DCEE4C2355" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_CBD2ECE153DC474B7BAE66DCEE4C2355" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_7100A55255965C3ACC8266DCEE4D13BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_7100A55255965C3ACC8266DCEE4D13BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_8F0C0CA2E4A23E3CC0B066DCEE4D9D5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_8F0C0CA2E4A23E3CC0B066DCEE4D9D5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_B40A2C66F5DB9A4A84AB66DCEE4D9498" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_B40A2C66F5DB9A4A84AB66DCEE4D9498" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_CF075BC83F12760B13CD66DCEE4D7F41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_CF075BC83F12760B13CD66DCEE4D7F41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_018316D1F82EFE08514866DCEE4DB97B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_018316D1F82EFE08514866DCEE4DB97B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_16664F9CB7E72710B9EF66DCEE4DA374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_16664F9CB7E72710B9EF66DCEE4DA374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_A6364C6EB8EEBFBDF9D366DCEE4E05ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_A6364C6EB8EEBFBDF9D366DCEE4E05ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_3B5511ED62E57097345666DCEE4E1807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_3B5511ED62E57097345666DCEE4E1807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_D0B46A96DF71BF68FCF666DCEE4E4B9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_D0B46A96DF71BF68FCF666DCEE4E4B9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_43D49791D7046F447A1966DCEE4EA830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_43D49791D7046F447A1966DCEE4EA830" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_E9A5CF9D3A40BAC3E73266DCEE4E7F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_E9A5CF9D3A40BAC3E73266DCEE4E7F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_465DB964413E529E5D7F66DCEE4F77DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_465DB964413E529E5D7F66DCEE4F77DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_7A8CDD921750E3F5835866DCEE4FC6BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_7A8CDD921750E3F5835866DCEE4FC6BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_BBC6572943FEC40209B566DCEE4F296B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_BBC6572943FEC40209B566DCEE4F296B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6CE22AECEBDEDB8FC23166DCEE4FB76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_6CE22AECEBDEDB8FC23166DCEE4FB76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_7C2727E1A56637A47B8066DCEE4F18CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_7C2727E1A56637A47B8066DCEE4F18CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_852AE92E921819D3885666DCEE4FE2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_852AE92E921819D3885666DCEE4FE2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_3647C75A99C17FD3152966DCEE500498" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_3647C75A99C17FD3152966DCEE500498" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_3BF589D8F5B076615A4966DCEE50A6E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_3BF589D8F5B076615A4966DCEE50A6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_C4E346BD20DC9F1DA0FF66DCEE504E9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_C4E346BD20DC9F1DA0FF66DCEE504E9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_5B12F6E389B2959C360666DCEE50F37A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_5B12F6E389B2959C360666DCEE50F37A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_19A7F7D0E8D71235773F66DCEE506CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_7B8C4C5071CAF2C5AA1866DCEE4C930E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_19A7F7D0E8D71235773F66DCEE506CDF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_075922602440BBC449C129478267B67B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7F27A1F216A5C4FE021F2947826471D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_075922602440BBC449C129478267B67B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7F27A1F216A5C4FE021F2947826471D6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A8D3627F2E427F966B7829478265CD64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7F27A1F216A5C4FE021F2947826471D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A8D3627F2E427F966B7829478265CD64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A8D3627F2E427F966B7829478265CD64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_C173615F2A8225D9B0902947826590E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_A8D3627F2E427F966B7829478265CD64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_C173615F2A8225D9B0902947826590E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_C173615F2A8225D9B0902947826590E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_7CED4F629CBB8E3DBFD0294782651079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_7CED4F629CBB8E3DBFD0294782651079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_7BF3CAF32AB5B833422B294782664716" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_B85D2F23E98D93F68A9329478265C92B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_7BF3CAF32AB5B833422B294782664716" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_17C80955B26748468F4A294782661A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_7F27A1F216A5C4FE021F2947826471D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_17C80955B26748468F4A294782661A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_17C80955B26748468F4A294782661A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_17C80955B26748468F4A294782661A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_ED0234DEF375E340D4F7294782663507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_ED0234DEF375E340D4F7294782663507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_78520979BC87A3AE6E5E2947826788F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_E11055BD7A83F5D69B9F29478266E947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_78520979BC87A3AE6E5E2947826788F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_DB8B0D4DCAC0B677ACD429478267AC40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_075922602440BBC449C129478267B67B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_DB8B0D4DCAC0B677ACD429478267AC40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_6DFBD84470628983077D29478267DB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_075922602440BBC449C129478267B67B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_6DFBD84470628983077D29478267DB55" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsRecurringFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_450F3E7EDF4CE5739405498EFE3ABD7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_450F3E7EDF4CE5739405498EFE3ABD7D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_74C7647B07032C0F1F9C498EFE3A1078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_450F3E7EDF4CE5739405498EFE3ABD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_74C7647B07032C0F1F9C498EFE3A1078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_74C7647B07032C0F1F9C498EFE3A1078" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_74C7647B07032C0F1F9C498EFE3A1078" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_CCD2B5CFF527F73079E3498EFE3A06F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_CCD2B5CFF527F73079E3498EFE3A06F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_B607AEF8430FF322A9E2498EFE3BA1B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEF890031E12EF26C69F498EFE3A644C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_B607AEF8430FF322A9E2498EFE3BA1B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_58B788F5376A8804D8A9498EFE3BE83A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_450F3E7EDF4CE5739405498EFE3ABD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_58B788F5376A8804D8A9498EFE3BE83A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A06F94800343C57C3292498EFE3B0400_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_58B788F5376A8804D8A9498EFE3BE83A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A06F94800343C57C3292498EFE3B0400_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A06F94800343C57C3292498EFE3B0400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_58B788F5376A8804D8A9498EFE3BE83A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A06F94800343C57C3292498EFE3B0400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_18EC7F0A4F52C5D298BF498EFE3B72E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A06F94800343C57C3292498EFE3B0400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_18EC7F0A4F52C5D298BF498EFE3B72E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34B3409E9A1130BAFD35498EFE3C8571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_450F3E7EDF4CE5739405498EFE3ABD7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34B3409E9A1130BAFD35498EFE3C8571" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34B3409E9A1130BAFD35498EFE3C8571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34B3409E9A1130BAFD35498EFE3C8571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_84338C91B2464B67EC2D498EFE3CC26F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_84338C91B2464B67EC2D498EFE3CC26F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_C3B93C88493AD18EC9C8498EFE3DAB28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_C3B93C88493AD18EC9C8498EFE3DAB28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_ED30DFD32451FA9F0E47498EFE3D3FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E243C9B99C3C5BD2896498EFE3CA14C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_ED30DFD32451FA9F0E47498EFE3D3FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_54C48BDEF4063910F78D498EFE3D4BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_54C48BDEF4063910F78D498EFE3D4BD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_7C3BF7F6DA5A6B7156D4498EFE3D5109" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_7C3BF7F6DA5A6B7156D4498EFE3D5109" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_2254EA73898FD0F35BAE498EFE3D1071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_2254EA73898FD0F35BAE498EFE3D1071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_4B8358C27A45C84FD3EE498EFE3EC3C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A6BF048B9B3FA2A389D2498EFE3D1B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_4B8358C27A45C84FD3EE498EFE3EC3C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_DA0F1AAA606687B0472C498EFE3EB565" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_4B8358C27A45C84FD3EE498EFE3EC3C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_DA0F1AAA606687B0472C498EFE3EB565" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_34CFB1FA299A70436AC7498EFE3E5019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_4B8358C27A45C84FD3EE498EFE3EC3C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_34CFB1FA299A70436AC7498EFE3E5019" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_BBBE293034142965BF5D2018D06EC81A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_BBBE293034142965BF5D2018D06EC81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1674D345B677523FDF222018D06A901B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1674D345B677523FDF222018D06A901B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1674D345B677523FDF222018D06A901B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1674D345B677523FDF222018D06A901B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1819F376CAAE14C2309C2018D06BCEA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1819F376CAAE14C2309C2018D06BCEA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_881276206887DB2F4D002018D06B5EDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_881276206887DB2F4D002018D06B5EDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember_568A537D3458F32A09062018D06BD1F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7B7797BACB05A7B46D382018D06A2CF1" xlink:to="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember_568A537D3458F32A09062018D06BD1F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_EE3BD1220BDBA2384D3C2018D06B989B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_EE3BD1220BDBA2384D3C2018D06B989B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9A421B4FF24883AA08E72018D06C2A16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_EE3BD1220BDBA2384D3C2018D06B989B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9A421B4FF24883AA08E72018D06C2A16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9A421B4FF24883AA08E72018D06C2A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_EE3BD1220BDBA2384D3C2018D06B989B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9A421B4FF24883AA08E72018D06C2A16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_529808E774D27801E01C2018D06C0E8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_9A421B4FF24883AA08E72018D06C2A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_529808E774D27801E01C2018D06C0E8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6841E74697694399DC9F2018D06C570F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6841E74697694399DC9F2018D06C570F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A7058FD3413CF0DFC3112018D06CBBCF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6841E74697694399DC9F2018D06C570F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A7058FD3413CF0DFC3112018D06CBBCF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A7058FD3413CF0DFC3112018D06CBBCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_6841E74697694399DC9F2018D06C570F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A7058FD3413CF0DFC3112018D06CBBCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_AE303333E871478EFA052018D06DC5F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A7058FD3413CF0DFC3112018D06CBBCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_AE303333E871478EFA052018D06DC5F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_510C3775A0938754083B2018D06D45FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_FC17531319E8A537BC562018D06A537C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_510C3775A0938754083B2018D06D45FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3BDAB94214F1B3EF3B312018D06DCBE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_510C3775A0938754083B2018D06D45FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3BDAB94214F1B3EF3B312018D06DCBE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3BDAB94214F1B3EF3B312018D06DCBE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_510C3775A0938754083B2018D06D45FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3BDAB94214F1B3EF3B312018D06DCBE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_CED554D7D57CA36254742018D06D87EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3BDAB94214F1B3EF3B312018D06DCBE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_CED554D7D57CA36254742018D06D87EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_20C42DA48EEB8EC2507C2018D06EF45B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_BBBE293034142965BF5D2018D06EC81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_20C42DA48EEB8EC2507C2018D06EF45B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_79F12DF9C8309BC4D33B2018D06EF1BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_BBBE293034142965BF5D2018D06EC81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_79F12DF9C8309BC4D33B2018D06EF1BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_A36C032246CAD14DB23F2018D06E234C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_BBBE293034142965BF5D2018D06EC81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_A36C032246CAD14DB23F2018D06E234C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3D3F963F299E696BFA615436D8AB99DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3D3F963F299E696BFA615436D8AB99DE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9FB84BF7F07D21B6BD945436D8AC3A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3D3F963F299E696BFA615436D8AB99DE" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9FB84BF7F07D21B6BD945436D8AC3A42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_B74B1ECD95DD373C05445436D8ACC0B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9FB84BF7F07D21B6BD945436D8AC3A42" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_B74B1ECD95DD373C05445436D8ACC0B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_B74B1ECD95DD373C05445436D8ACC0B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_9FB84BF7F07D21B6BD945436D8AC3A42" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_B74B1ECD95DD373C05445436D8ACC0B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember_4FD9A63C8A28C7CFB1DB5436D8AC365B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_B74B1ECD95DD373C05445436D8ACC0B8" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember_4FD9A63C8A28C7CFB1DB5436D8AC365B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A79F1610F2E0DE41CC025436D8AD30C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_3D3F963F299E696BFA615436D8AB99DE" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A79F1610F2E0DE41CC025436D8AD30C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A79F1610F2E0DE41CC025436D8AD30C1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A79F1610F2E0DE41CC025436D8AD30C1" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PGEMember_BD4F159CCF87B2B278C45436D8ADC2F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PGEMember_BD4F159CCF87B2B278C45436D8ADC2F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_1040B3D7A106C563034A5436D8ADDB52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C8C484A6CF55BBA80605436D8AD44B7" xlink:to="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_1040B3D7A106C563034A5436D8ADDB52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PercentofDerivativeLiabilitiesUsingLevel3FairValueInputs" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PercentofDerivativeLiabilitiesUsingLevel3FairValueInputs_2D0CA5D6971E78E6DA4D543896072500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PercentofDerivativeLiabilitiesUsingLevel3FairValueInputs_2D0CA5D6971E78E6DA4D543896072500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_24A09E98B411D9C865515436D8AEBF10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_24A09E98B411D9C865515436D8AEBF10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_DEA9D91524FDE7C5A4DB5436D8AE4791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_DEA9D91524FDE7C5A4DB5436D8AE4791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_2E0DB447D6DCBC49A3545436D8AE1C2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_2E0DB447D6DCBC49A3545436D8AE1C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_99C7E99624F0C5E0160B5436D8AED69F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_99C7E99624F0C5E0160B5436D8AED69F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue" xlink:label="loc_cwen_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_690850D6887E38FFEF6F5436D8AF5B43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1DFA0F35212C2E3DA1395436D8AD05CA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisValuationTechniquesImpactOfCreditReserveToFairValue_690850D6887E38FFEF6F5436D8AF5B43" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9A9BA91BFFD6EFD1948C66E077330E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9A9BA91BFFD6EFD1948C66E077330E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_E5AC952CBD4001533FDF66E07733344C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9A9BA91BFFD6EFD1948C66E077330E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_E5AC952CBD4001533FDF66E07733344C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_E5AC952CBD4001533FDF66E07733344C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9A9BA91BFFD6EFD1948C66E077330E01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_E5AC952CBD4001533FDF66E07733344C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_2F87D941809867331F5E66E07733FD79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_E5AC952CBD4001533FDF66E07733344C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_2F87D941809867331F5E66E07733FD79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_02937A468A0F1A04C5FD66E077337811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_02937A468A0F1A04C5FD66E077337811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CB1BB49DAEA6D5F7FA0966E0773448EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_02937A468A0F1A04C5FD66E077337811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CB1BB49DAEA6D5F7FA0966E0773448EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CB1BB49DAEA6D5F7FA0966E0773448EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_02937A468A0F1A04C5FD66E077337811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CB1BB49DAEA6D5F7FA0966E0773448EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_D8BC1966D45B8997790E66E07734F908" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CB1BB49DAEA6D5F7FA0966E0773448EE" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_D8BC1966D45B8997790E66E07734F908" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_253908A16E295EDBDD3A66E07734FAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_253908A16E295EDBDD3A66E07734FAA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_45785FAB81048CFE6B0266E07734CA83_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_253908A16E295EDBDD3A66E07734FAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_45785FAB81048CFE6B0266E07734CA83_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_45785FAB81048CFE6B0266E07734CA83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_253908A16E295EDBDD3A66E07734FAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_45785FAB81048CFE6B0266E07734CA83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_8683E4BEF424F41F7A6B66E0773587E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_45785FAB81048CFE6B0266E07734CA83" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_8683E4BEF424F41F7A6B66E0773587E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_6121AF5BAEBC12F6E7C566E077355365" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_6121AF5BAEBC12F6E7C566E077355365" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_6121AF5BAEBC12F6E7C566E077355365" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_6121AF5BAEBC12F6E7C566E077355365" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_11779DEEE5CAF735149766E07736EBCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_11779DEEE5CAF735149766E07736EBCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember_9AE74CADC1C47E32138666E07736197E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember_9AE74CADC1C47E32138666E07736197E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThirdPartyInvestorMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThirdPartyInvestorMember_0B39B515BD99A05E67AC66E07736DEDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThirdPartyInvestorMember_0B39B515BD99A05E67AC66E07736DEDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornRenewablesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornRenewablesLLCMember_9D35033BE4881075643566E077368302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornRenewablesLLCMember_9D35033BE4881075643566E077368302" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember_5C54C3B9144B3DAF967866E0773654A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_8FF1587AC238F95C8D7866E07735D747" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember_5C54C3B9144B3DAF967866E0773654A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5663CA330B94A269C9C366E07736B3B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5663CA330B94A269C9C366E07736B3B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5663CA330B94A269C9C366E07736B3B5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_5663CA330B94A269C9C366E07736B3B5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CEGMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CEGMember_2ADB49A91C559A637FDD66E0773708F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CEGMember_2ADB49A91C559A637FDD66E0773708F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_TaxEquityInvestorsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_TaxEquityInvestorsMember_808C4099FA368901622D66E077378FD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_AA504362BE350EF2E79C66E07736085D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_TaxEquityInvestorsMember_808C4099FA368901622D66E077378FD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_1251893F8A7EB167F30966E07737F2CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_1251893F8A7EB167F30966E07737F2CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_CE669F101177D9534C0766E07737721E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_1251893F8A7EB167F30966E07737F2CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_CE669F101177D9534C0766E07737721E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_CE669F101177D9534C0766E07737721E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsByNameAxis_1251893F8A7EB167F30966E07737F2CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_CE669F101177D9534C0766E07737721E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_FinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_FinancialInstitutionsMember_EF473A52E7B0A4A2377266E077388484" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherOwnershipInterestsNameDomain_CE669F101177D9534C0766E07737721E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_FinancialInstitutionsMember_EF473A52E7B0A4A2377266E077388484" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_23319370DFEEDF6D336C66E077384A33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_23319370DFEEDF6D336C66E077384A33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_23319370DFEEDF6D336C66E077384A33" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_23319370DFEEDF6D336C66E077384A33" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember_CD5E38FC45C43389F7B966E07738E3B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember_CD5E38FC45C43389F7B966E07738E3B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarLanikuhanaMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarLanikuhanaMember_B8F952BDAB0EB64EA9E566E077392824" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarLanikuhanaMember_B8F952BDAB0EB64EA9E566E077392824" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarWaipioMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarWaipioMember_34C5C7E6593FEB28338666E07739DAE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A3988C46CF01ED48FA7A66E07738A661" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarWaipioMember_34C5C7E6593FEB28338666E07739DAE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E8EBF0931A6C491A7FFE66E077398F50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E8EBF0931A6C491A7FFE66E077398F50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E8EBF0931A6C491A7FFE66E077398F50" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E8EBF0931A6C491A7FFE66E077398F50" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember_3D88603D60ACCB9484FD66E0773ADA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember_3D88603D60ACCB9484FD66E0773ADA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_AA3FE975AF3A82778A5F66E0773AE39B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_AA3FE975AF3A82778A5F66E0773AE39B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember_C3EC08074DC8CD7B04EE66E0773A66F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarPortfolioLLCMember_C3EC08074DC8CD7B04EE66E0773A66F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornHoldingsLLCMember_E21DFCA37517F4A35AF766E0773A28ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornHoldingsLLCMember_E21DFCA37517F4A35AF766E0773A28ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaSolarProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarProjectMember_7CABDE513EAF55F7B1E766E0773A04D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B66E5222761AFBDDE93A66E077397D81" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarProjectMember_7CABDE513EAF55F7B1E766E0773A04D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F5AE98D86A596E0BE21866E0773BE714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_C7DC685F884F00D0825066E077323651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F5AE98D86A596E0BE21866E0773BE714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F5AE98D86A596E0BE21866E0773BE714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F5AE98D86A596E0BE21866E0773BE714" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember_09D13B2DEDDEA4D9FE0D66E0773B86D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember_09D13B2DEDDEA4D9FE0D66E0773B86D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember_282EED51C06DBC5F6EC766E0773C083F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember_282EED51C06DBC5F6EC766E0773C083F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_November2015DropDownAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_1AC68406CF89BC5EFCC366E0773C051D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_November2015DropDownAssetsMember_1AC68406CF89BC5EFCC366E0773C051D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_AC26C017B43A3668984066E0773C190B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B3E3FFDB52299BA54D9D66E0773B178E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_AC26C017B43A3668984066E0773C190B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_830F02CFEE1FE8E2E9FB66E0773C6F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_830F02CFEE1FE8E2E9FB66E0773C6F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D221F542DBB6DE8B3B2D66E0773D46D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_D221F542DBB6DE8B3B2D66E0773D46D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CommitmenttoInvest" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CommitmenttoInvest_346119DCD6A62AD43E1F66E0773D50B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CommitmenttoInvest_346119DCD6A62AD43E1F66E0773D50B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_0B1AD1BDD44E7820425066E0773D1BE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_0B1AD1BDD44E7820425066E0773D1BE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_5DC38DDE2747513F352D66E0773D7282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_5DC38DDE2747513F352D66E0773D7282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_EBC2344D3D1B3933A57066E0773DB77B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_EBC2344D3D1B3933A57066E0773DB77B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPercent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPercent_83785383A876494D676866E0773DB85E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPercent_83785383A876494D676866E0773DB85E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_56F619B839EE715E7D5866E0773DED1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_56F619B839EE715E7D5866E0773DED1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_00C60DDFB6D738530A9A66E0773EC0CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_00C60DDFB6D738530A9A66E0773EC0CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_8F35C9740EF895A3B2FB66E0773E54A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_8F35C9740EF895A3B2FB66E0773E54A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPayablePercent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPayablePercent_27915B9C6FF24A4EEB1F66E0773E5B37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BusinessCombinationCapitalContributionPayablePercent_27915B9C6FF24A4EEB1F66E0773E5B37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_917ABAE0BE0762AF69D766E0773EBAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PercentageofCashAvailableforDistributions_917ABAE0BE0762AF69D766E0773EBAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_B0DCDA0ACDE63CB64E1866E0773EDBFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_B0DCDA0ACDE63CB64E1866E0773EDBFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ABEB7B727980504DA4D866E0773F3BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_ABEB7B727980504DA4D866E0773F3BF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOfLimitedLiabilityCompanyOrLimitedPartnershipOwnershipInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOfLimitedLiabilityCompanyOrLimitedPartnershipOwnershipInterest_C98F5B7191FEF6567F9166E0773F8D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOfLimitedLiabilityCompanyOrLimitedPartnershipOwnershipInterest_C98F5B7191FEF6567F9166E0773F8D45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_89CDDDE18A47654D434F66E0773F51B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CD34C894CDB2D60D96E566E0773C3360" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_89CDDDE18A47654D434F66E0773F51B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_6696C5574DE8413D1D910B4A7C2F45A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_6696C5574DE8413D1D910B4A7C2F45A0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BA06735785E09C23C7090B4A7C309718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_6696C5574DE8413D1D910B4A7C2F45A0" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BA06735785E09C23C7090B4A7C309718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BA06735785E09C23C7090B4A7C309718" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_BA06735785E09C23C7090B4A7C309718" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember_C9B0B7B78BD85AC8F0460B4A7C30D5AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarPartnershipMember_C9B0B7B78BD85AC8F0460B4A7C30D5AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember_8D36DD2F60FA276B8D750B9D1AFD0067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarPartnershipLLCMember_8D36DD2F60FA276B8D750B9D1AFD0067" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_9839FC2BF2777FC8ADE80B4A7C317F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AltaXandXITEHoldcoMember_9839FC2BF2777FC8ADE80B4A7C317F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SpringCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SpringCanyonMember_C2B477240C388EBB6BBB0B4A7C31A8A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SpringCanyonMember_C2B477240C388EBB6BBB0B4A7C31A8A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_F4E21E55E668F25967330B4A7C31A0D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolarDropDownAssetMember_F4E21E55E668F25967330B4A7C31A0D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember_4C3CD668F1AFE905851E0B4A7C32FB0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB6610A78277BC3798EA0B4A7C30F790" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipLLCMember_4C3CD668F1AFE905851E0B4A7C32FB0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_EBCD981EB8B1601021530B4A7C32195F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_EBCD981EB8B1601021530B4A7C32195F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_9EE142B81B298FC3AC440B4A7C32A0BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_9EE142B81B298FC3AC440B4A7C32A0BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_B4CD1A0898F341F035A10B4A7C322979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_B4CD1A0898F341F035A10B4A7C322979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FBE314F46D909510176D0B4A7C3375DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FBE314F46D909510176D0B4A7C3375DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_62F0734B8444F307D5100B4A7C33BCBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_62F0734B8444F307D5100B4A7C33BCBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_B25EE5B57160AED87C210B4A7C337242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInVariableInterestEntity_B25EE5B57160AED87C210B4A7C337242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_81B40DE9A4133F7FC2C40B4A7C33F2F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_8855DC2B9F9FCD71976A0B4A7C32DA33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNet_81B40DE9A4133F7FC2C40B4A7C33F2F5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_9578D106B49852B65CB40B4A7C70C5FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7B5A6A47D0DA21B715AF0B4A7C6E0FF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_9578D106B49852B65CB40B4A7C70C5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7B5A6A47D0DA21B715AF0B4A7C6E0FF4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2373316B48B0BF916AA10B4A7C6FE9CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7B5A6A47D0DA21B715AF0B4A7C6E0FF4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2373316B48B0BF916AA10B4A7C6FE9CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_808A72D57615FE05577F0B4A7C6F35DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2373316B48B0BF916AA10B4A7C6FE9CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_808A72D57615FE05577F0B4A7C6F35DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_808A72D57615FE05577F0B4A7C6F35DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_2373316B48B0BF916AA10B4A7C6FE9CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_808A72D57615FE05577F0B4A7C6F35DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_81FA1D79733038C0E83E0B4A7C6FD5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_808A72D57615FE05577F0B4A7C6F35DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_81FA1D79733038C0E83E0B4A7C6FD5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CA20C288AFF0EF6335410B4A7C704FF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7B5A6A47D0DA21B715AF0B4A7C6E0FF4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CA20C288AFF0EF6335410B4A7C704FF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7BDEF362EB25BF3615BF0B4A7C70E634_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CA20C288AFF0EF6335410B4A7C704FF2" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7BDEF362EB25BF3615BF0B4A7C70E634_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7BDEF362EB25BF3615BF0B4A7C70E634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CA20C288AFF0EF6335410B4A7C704FF2" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7BDEF362EB25BF3615BF0B4A7C70E634" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember_5BE5FBDDEC8DB75F96CB0B4A7C70ED97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7BDEF362EB25BF3615BF0B4A7C70E634" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EntitiesthatarenotconsolidatedMember_5BE5FBDDEC8DB75F96CB0B4A7C70ED97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_B22EE68C5D9968EE2B650B4A7C718C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_9578D106B49852B65CB40B4A7C70C5FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_B22EE68C5D9968EE2B650B4A7C718C56" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/InvestmentsAccountedForByEquityMethodAndVariableInterestEntitiesUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_2E1B4B6A7B7C297077F24387EDDD143C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_2E1B4B6A7B7C297077F24387EDDD143C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8874DE1B58DFD67DCD794387EDDD2D56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_2E1B4B6A7B7C297077F24387EDDD143C" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8874DE1B58DFD67DCD794387EDDD2D56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8874DE1B58DFD67DCD794387EDDD2D56" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8874DE1B58DFD67DCD794387EDDD2D56" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_FourBrothersSolarMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_FourBrothersSolarMember_DE12D108589D9149F9784387EDDEDFC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_FourBrothersSolarMember_DE12D108589D9149F9784387EDDEDFC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_GenConnEnergyLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_7A633E241CAA8289F34B4387EDDE2EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_GenConnEnergyLlcMember_7A633E241CAA8289F34B4387EDDE2EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DGPVHoldco1Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DGPVHoldco1Member_F3B002BD54D38286F9CF4387EDDE6AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DGPVHoldco1Member_F3B002BD54D38286F9CF4387EDDE6AAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DGPVHoldco3Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DGPVHoldco3Member_AEBCF559457295F18BAA4387EDDFFC6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DGPVHoldco3Member_AEBCF559457295F18BAA4387EDDFFC6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_GraniteMountainHoldingsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_GraniteMountainHoldingsMember_DA866214A0C5DF179C194387EDDFCD98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_GraniteMountainHoldingsMember_DA866214A0C5DF179C194387EDDFCD98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_0D357EFD8DEE6BFFB46D4387EDDF5B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NRGDGPVHoldco2Member_0D357EFD8DEE6BFFB46D4387EDDF5B4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_IronSpringsHoldingsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_IronSpringsHoldingsMember_0F4EBE5FAC6F1295B9894387EDDF8B00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_IronSpringsHoldingsMember_0F4EBE5FAC6F1295B9894387EDDF8B00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RPVHoldcoMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RPVHoldcoMember_C4D0095333EFBBA193504387EDDF2E20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_7E91FEAD1F1FCB4FB3D14387EDDE44EA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RPVHoldcoMember_C4D0095333EFBBA193504387EDDF2E20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3F68D49B9B95A8433B134387EDE02C87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_3F68D49B9B95A8433B134387EDE02C87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_5E0BD1ADBE869C33BF3F4387EDE01369" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_5E0BD1ADBE869C33BF3F4387EDE01369" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_86CB48BCA00D77647D014387EDE09145" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_86CB48BCA00D77647D014387EDE09145" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RemainingLeaseTerm_162A71149143DE5702494387EDE0AB91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RemainingLeaseTerm_162A71149143DE5702494387EDE0AB91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3C15BD016F4A0E728534387EDE10459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_3EA15FE379658623EECA4387EDE09387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_C3C15BD016F4A0E728534387EDE10459" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeaseCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesMaturitiesOfOperatingLeaseLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesMinimumFutureRentPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_75DDF7C728861B2FB4F04387EB250936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_A69B462B2FCE25747FD04387EB245B1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_75DDF7C728861B2FB4F04387EB250936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_A69B462B2FCE25747FD04387EB245B1D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_29C7922018B4D82676F14387EB243C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_A69B462B2FCE25747FD04387EB245B1D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_29C7922018B4D82676F14387EB243C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_29C7922018B4D82676F14387EB243C40" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_29C7922018B4D82676F14387EB243C40" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_296C4765471B97E8ABBF4387EB254567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_296C4765471B97E8ABBF4387EB254567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2044849B1DD6908D58B24387EB250E52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_F5C4F0FEE5B26E0171CF4387EB24D8B7" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2044849B1DD6908D58B24387EB250E52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_C406E16ECCEC4749D3214387EB25F243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_75DDF7C728861B2FB4F04387EB250936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_C406E16ECCEC4749D3214387EB25F243" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_9310E9B11EDCCE3BDB414387EB250E4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_75DDF7C728861B2FB4F04387EB250936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_9310E9B11EDCCE3BDB414387EB250E4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_94A3C710D3A83AF3E7C84387EB26CB62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_75DDF7C728861B2FB4F04387EB250936" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_94A3C710D3A83AF3E7C84387EB26CB62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRelatedToOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_649C921EBF7B1527EA460A58008E05BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_DCCFD0EE3823111D57060A58008D3CD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_649C921EBF7B1527EA460A58008E05BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_DCCFD0EE3823111D57060A58008D3CD8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3170DF4F1DDFD5A9D2070A58008D21FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_DCCFD0EE3823111D57060A58008D3CD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3170DF4F1DDFD5A9D2070A58008D21FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8F1D786C9A0549AFECFD0A58008E93EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3170DF4F1DDFD5A9D2070A58008D21FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8F1D786C9A0549AFECFD0A58008E93EA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8F1D786C9A0549AFECFD0A58008E93EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_3170DF4F1DDFD5A9D2070A58008D21FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8F1D786C9A0549AFECFD0A58008E93EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsLeasedToOthersMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsLeasedToOthersMember_BCFCCFF1E53A3F1B9F8F0A58008E154B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_8F1D786C9A0549AFECFD0A58008E93EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsLeasedToOthersMember_BCFCCFF1E53A3F1B9F8F0A58008E154B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_C702BDFB81D283AA2EA20A58008E0908" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_649C921EBF7B1527EA460A58008E05BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_C702BDFB81D283AA2EA20A58008E0908" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_3627500B9A7C45D522B60A58008E3234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_649C921EBF7B1527EA460A58008E05BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_3627500B9A7C45D522B60A58008E3234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_29718BB010BB52A1EC240A58008F58F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_649C921EBF7B1527EA460A58008E05BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_29718BB010BB52A1EC240A58008F58F9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesRevenueRelatedToLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_536AEBCCDAE71061FD91648240A46FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_C6D8CBA3D872DE7451FF648240A4018D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_536AEBCCDAE71061FD91648240A46FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_C6D8CBA3D872DE7451FF648240A4018D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A66748570465819F10CE648240A4B240" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_C6D8CBA3D872DE7451FF648240A4018D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A66748570465819F10CE648240A4B240" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A66748570465819F10CE648240A4B240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A66748570465819F10CE648240A4B240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_6EAE026A8D1F35F029A8648240A4960C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_6EAE026A8D1F35F029A8648240A4960C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_8A40D48341F865877EAB648240A40137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_8A40D48341F865877EAB648240A40137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_71074E4DC6E119A5711F648240A4B080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_70B14AC0739CDE9BFE55648240A41217" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_71074E4DC6E119A5711F648240A4B080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_85D4B19B23A870E9C7F8648240A4B390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_C6D8CBA3D872DE7451FF648240A4018D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_85D4B19B23A870E9C7F8648240A4B390" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_85D4B19B23A870E9C7F8648240A4B390" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_85D4B19B23A870E9C7F8648240A4B390" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EnergyRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_DD07AF3D5BBF3A3449DE648240A42C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_DD07AF3D5BBF3A3449DE648240A42C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CapacityRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_0ECD1E79ABDD58D81699648240A4F2CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_0ECD1E79ABDD58D81699648240A4F2CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember_18BFB0EBBA7ECFCE25A1648240A4B92F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_09DB3DF60CB2B74A13DF648240A4E54E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember_18BFB0EBBA7ECFCE25A1648240A4B92F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_02DC24D79C35A2BF612A648240A48890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_536AEBCCDAE71061FD91648240A46FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_02DC24D79C35A2BF612A648240A48890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_8296F67B8768C2075DD46482446A72D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_536AEBCCDAE71061FD91648240A46FF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_8296F67B8768C2075DD46482446A72D3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_77A4987DD686E83D51406814766C52DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_77A4987DD686E83D51406814766C52DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_565735B1E1EE264D8EDC6814766CCBBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_77A4987DD686E83D51406814766C52DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_565735B1E1EE264D8EDC6814766CCBBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_565735B1E1EE264D8EDC6814766CCBBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_77A4987DD686E83D51406814766C52DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_565735B1E1EE264D8EDC6814766CCBBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_70DF294DD74B189B5D206814766D7506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_565735B1E1EE264D8EDC6814766CCBBF" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_70DF294DD74B189B5D206814766D7506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_EFD6503C265D32F84DDE6814766D2DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_EFD6503C265D32F84DDE6814766D2DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_9E134EDEA4BADB12F4526814766D8D7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_EFD6503C265D32F84DDE6814766D2DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_9E134EDEA4BADB12F4526814766D8D7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_9E134EDEA4BADB12F4526814766D8D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_EFD6503C265D32F84DDE6814766D2DA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_9E134EDEA4BADB12F4526814766D8D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_5090B98F70FE78E0A39E6814766E6B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_9E134EDEA4BADB12F4526814766D8D7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_5090B98F70FE78E0A39E6814766E6B9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E9F6290503D2F368DC306814766E5CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E9F6290503D2F368DC306814766E5CA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A3CBCA8C449F490394A66814766EA910_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E9F6290503D2F368DC306814766E5CA5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A3CBCA8C449F490394A66814766EA910_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A3CBCA8C449F490394A66814766EA910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_E9F6290503D2F368DC306814766E5CA5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A3CBCA8C449F490394A66814766EA910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PGEMember_253DECA04773B728BEEF6814766F1CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_A3CBCA8C449F490394A66814766EA910" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PGEMember_253DECA04773B728BEEF6814766F1CC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B4537A5705E91FDDDF126814766F0C83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B4537A5705E91FDDDF126814766F0C83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B4537A5705E91FDDDF126814766F0C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B4537A5705E91FDDDF126814766F0C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember_9F9C72C74B840BA36EE568147670DB64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaPartnershipMember_9F9C72C74B840BA36EE568147670DB64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember_7E98779C60C60AC05821681476717EDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2A79F0018DD769345C446814767092B0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ZephyrOahuPartnershipLLCMember_7E98779C60C60AC05821681476717EDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8FA8FFA34CF474BF57E1681476710319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8FA8FFA34CF474BF57E1681476710319" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_473E3D9B1FBE4A6EB48568147671C63A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8FA8FFA34CF474BF57E1681476710319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_473E3D9B1FBE4A6EB48568147671C63A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_473E3D9B1FBE4A6EB48568147671C63A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8FA8FFA34CF474BF57E1681476710319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_473E3D9B1FBE4A6EB48568147671C63A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_1B73171A3C576FF49431681476727218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_473E3D9B1FBE4A6EB48568147671C63A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_1B73171A3C576FF49431681476727218" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C13E385380C79226588D681476729CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C13E385380C79226588D681476729CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EF2C392AD0B9687F24F36814767211D0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C13E385380C79226588D681476729CC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EF2C392AD0B9687F24F36814767211D0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EF2C392AD0B9687F24F36814767211D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C13E385380C79226588D681476729CC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EF2C392AD0B9687F24F36814767211D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_88EFA6F220389B1407EF681476734951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EF2C392AD0B9687F24F36814767211D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_88EFA6F220389B1407EF681476734951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F64A97D22664E249034868147673D119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_85BFED221F59F5A6B9E56814766B336F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F64A97D22664E249034868147673D119" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F64A97D22664E249034868147673D119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F64A97D22664E249034868147673D119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E6E7EB738EC8D91F1142681476747E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E6E7EB738EC8D91F1142681476747E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_BBE2B35843BFD5D75E6468147674BAD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member_BBE2B35843BFD5D75E6468147674BAD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_514ECA09A2D1468D65BF6814767528CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_514ECA09A2D1468D65BF6814767528CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member_28A3710CA30F8D31C76B68147675E3C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member_28A3710CA30F8D31C76B68147675E3C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember_4050A941CB9541CFCE3068147675BEBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember_4050A941CB9541CFCE3068147675BEBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember_AA8440A53BE3FFE8F83068147675DF19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCDebtMember_AA8440A53BE3FFE8F83068147675DF19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SouthTrentWindLLCDue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindLLCDue2020Member_943A2F02DC12004EB8BC68147676ADD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindLLCDue2020Member_943A2F02DC12004EB8BC68147676ADD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member_E3844885D597FFB09A94681499509508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member_E3844885D597FFB09A94681499509508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_A9C10099766E5A55B3AA681476760CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member_A9C10099766E5A55B3AA681476760CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member_A731002FB4A74F5E640D6814767641D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_D7DB8B4F02857CB5F8286814767345ED" xlink:to="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member_A731002FB4A74F5E640D6814767641D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_AD8464C798545BB4577268147676BD5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_AD8464C798545BB4577268147676BD5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_0365C0A2E49AB2B57DA7681476776A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_0365C0A2E49AB2B57DA7681476776A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_72AFD814B5711B65D0856814767764DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_72AFD814B5711B65D0856814767764DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F45670AB5676C82D99F36814767847A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F45670AB5676C82D99F36814767847A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_0EA6685956AF2F6FEBB06814767819A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyDebt_0EA6685956AF2F6FEBB06814767819A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_549ACC1A9CE6F18172E2681476786C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_549ACC1A9CE6F18172E2681476786C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_92152AB16A19B891EC3168147678424D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_92152AB16A19B891EC3168147678424D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_A408FE84EE7D6FF1B32668147678866F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_A408FE84EE7D6FF1B32668147678866F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_91CC5CC4C98DBAB5EAD268147678C59A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_91CC5CC4C98DBAB5EAD268147678C59A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_B7344E25548CEB40D1CC681476792BD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate_B7344E25548CEB40D1CC681476792BD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_8653C161D236050AEDE068147679168D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt_8653C161D236050AEDE068147679168D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7690AC18668E1702E63C6814767AC499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6CAF65305624DD809F496814767626AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7690AC18668E1702E63C6814767AC499" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtDebtTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9D4BACF492D0D3798047681478E7855F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9D4BACF492D0D3798047681478E7855F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_354F5A31EA24EE686615681478E70022_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9D4BACF492D0D3798047681478E7855F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_354F5A31EA24EE686615681478E70022_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_354F5A31EA24EE686615681478E70022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9D4BACF492D0D3798047681478E7855F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_354F5A31EA24EE686615681478E70022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_E1453CFBAD2347F2EBC7681478E773E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_354F5A31EA24EE686615681478E70022" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_E1453CFBAD2347F2EBC7681478E773E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_13EC315CF683A71411FB681478E8D233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_13EC315CF683A71411FB681478E8D233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_13EC315CF683A71411FB681478E8D233" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_13EC315CF683A71411FB681478E8D233" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_EEBE398BA0F37C412EF5681478E861AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_EEBE398BA0F37C412EF5681478E861AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_EEF597E014DEC6433150681478E81CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_68F56A80BC38E428B6AC681478E8ACC3" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_EEF597E014DEC6433150681478E81CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AA7B632AA947EDEAFDD8681478E9786C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AA7B632AA947EDEAFDD8681478E9786C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_538BC5FF0ACEA24F82EE681478E9C818_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AA7B632AA947EDEAFDD8681478E9786C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_538BC5FF0ACEA24F82EE681478E9C818_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_538BC5FF0ACEA24F82EE681478E9C818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_AA7B632AA947EDEAFDD8681478E9786C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_538BC5FF0ACEA24F82EE681478E9C818" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_BA03E9D6F1B17B3A67C5681478E9E2A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_538BC5FF0ACEA24F82EE681478E9C818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_BA03E9D6F1B17B3A67C5681478E9E2A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_70FD6474F62625B3CE74681478EAC780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2AD13669401D47F7DADF681478E6AF38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_70FD6474F62625B3CE74681478EAC780" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_70FD6474F62625B3CE74681478EAC780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_70FD6474F62625B3CE74681478EAC780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_F8F242E4D72AA7083DB6681478EA77A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2019Member_F8F242E4D72AA7083DB6681478EA77A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_E6011CFF5096E665CEAF681478EADBFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_IntercompanyCreditAgreementdue2020Member_E6011CFF5096E665CEAF681478EADBFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_2CEF2A086740EF3D0C48681478EBB779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member_2CEF2A086740EF3D0C48681478EBB779" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member_F41AA5DDC3EC9B6361EC681478EBB7BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.75SeniorNotesdue2025Member_F41AA5DDC3EC9B6361EC681478EBB7BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_429923228FA0D2A7794A681478EBFFCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member_429923228FA0D2A7794A681478EBFFCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2B4D2632556ED12C4FA4681478EB5587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2B4D2632556ED12C4FA4681478EB5587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_1D1D76EE6E4048370255681478EB767F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AguaCalienteBorrower2Member_1D1D76EE6E4048370255681478EB767F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_9D40EB4A68FBF066725E681478EB088E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member_9D40EB4A68FBF066725E681478EB088E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member_89DBEE47AEC07B5E7758681478ECE506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_AltaWindIVleasefinancingarrangementdue2034and2035Member_89DBEE47AEC07B5E7758681478ECE506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member_00D90E12DE1D9574B07D681478EC8E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_BuckthornSolardue2025Member_00D90E12DE1D9574B07D681478EC8E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_CCE1E0CAA8271C8E2E94681478EC40B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CvsrFinancingAgreementMember_CCE1E0CAA8271C8E2E94681478EC40B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_E6E69A8718C0131F85BD681478ECDDAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member_E6E69A8718C0131F85BD681478ECDDAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member_BB087137CC576654D345681478EC9FE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DuquesneDue2059Member_BB087137CC576654D345681478EC9FE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023Member_154C15C95F48F8F0697B681478ED98EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023Member_154C15C95F48F8F0697B681478ED98EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesCNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesCNotesMember_21B271588D1474EC034D681478ED9D36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EnergyCenterMinneapolisSeriesCNotesMember_21B271588D1474EC034D681478ED9D36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_77A4958C0328CB72AE3F681478ED779E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_LaredoRidgeWindLLCduein2026Member_77A4958C0328CB72AE3F681478ED779E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KansasSouthduein2030Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KansasSouthduein2030Member_6C49917D8DF9B05699CA681478ED00F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KansasSouthduein2030Member_6C49917D8DF9B05699CA681478ED00F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member_7BD23213216D44B11B4A681478ED2506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_KawailoaSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member_7BD23213216D44B11B4A681478ED2506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_ABED4611D8A8C6AE2135681478EE088A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember_ABED4611D8A8C6AE2135681478EE088A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member_80964E857CFF5DFD5495681478EEBEE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OahuSolarHoldingsLLCdue2026Member_80964E857CFF5DFD5495681478EEBEE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_FBEB6AC85896FC5378E9681478EEDBF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RepoweringPartnershipHoldcoLLCdue2020Member_FBEB6AC85896FC5378E9681478EEDBF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member_D25B57A7E96AF56C8E89681478EE0DC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SouthTrentWindDue2028Member_D25B57A7E96AF56C8E89681478EE0DC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member_1A54E9257FC88442CE6F681478EEE360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_TapestryWindLLCduein2031Member_1A54E9257FC88442CE6F681478EEE360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_94029D84D46553030999681478EF8A75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_UtahSolarPortfoliodue2022Member_94029D84D46553030999681478EF8A75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_B1E601FD7671C8BE2596681478EF1D0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member_B1E601FD7671C8BE2596681478EF1D0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_7A7C6648986F44858806681478EFB9BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member_7A7C6648986F44858806681478EFB9BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OtherDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OtherDebtMember_74CB5D1B3A8022153C04681478EF47FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OtherDebtMember_74CB5D1B3A8022153C04681478EF47FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ProjectLevelDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ProjectLevelDebtMember_B694C98A9016E2EFA083681478F06582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ProjectLevelDebtMember_B694C98A9016E2EFA083681478F06582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheBMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheBMember_18AD430F0995A8CA8827681478F0BF47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheBMember_18AD430F0995A8CA8827681478F0BF47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheAMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheAMember_B418255401F9F6401365681478F0909F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_28863FB9B8F5B43DAD0C681478EA7743" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ElSegundoEnergyCenterdue2023TrancheAMember_B418255401F9F6401365681478F0909F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_1C0A9B0F8ACC3AD51666681478F014A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_1C0A9B0F8ACC3AD51666681478F014A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_D1B1C3B6610FEC9A555B681478F18CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_D1B1C3B6610FEC9A555B681478F18CE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_42AAC52E7AA92C41DD9B681478F1AC65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_42AAC52E7AA92C41DD9B681478F1AC65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_78EFA6BFF30B0A85F104681478F1419B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_78EFA6BFF30B0A85F104681478F1419B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8D0444DA4050E8BF73DC681478F1DECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8D0444DA4050E8BF73DC681478F1DECC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_9F8610F2D1376549D347681478F1D1B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_9F8610F2D1376549D347681478F1D1B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_ECA64D783B7D312532F6681478F227CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_ECA64D783B7D312532F6681478F227CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_665F6BBA9F82A913A315681478F24081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_665F6BBA9F82A913A315681478F24081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_B77D6F5DCD7ED3B63765681478F2FED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_B77D6F5DCD7ED3B63765681478F2FED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_6AA7921943439C76FD34681478F22D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E320C62F0EE60E62AD91681478F000F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_6AA7921943439C76FD34681478F22D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/NatureOfBusinessDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5B1E2BCE64862182310E4387EF5DA062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5B1E2BCE64862182310E4387EF5DA062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5B1E2BCE64862182310E4387EF5DA062" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5B1E2BCE64862182310E4387EF5DA062" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_B0BA048BE5FAAFA4F7384387EF5D92D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_B0BA048BE5FAAFA4F7384387EF5D92D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PGEMember_7F14D5E2840EE3CC12804387EF5E2704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PGEMember_7F14D5E2840EE3CC12804387EF5E2704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_8BA2D9D8A895EF79C8464387EF5E5DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B185753E7A8EF24690B54387EF5D1ACB" xlink:to="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_8BA2D9D8A895EF79C8464387EF5E5DBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_F79C297A9B6B2999F4894387EF5E108B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_F79C297A9B6B2999F4894387EF5E108B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9FF8579B7A57BDDCEE3B4387EF5E3535_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_F79C297A9B6B2999F4894387EF5E108B" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9FF8579B7A57BDDCEE3B4387EF5E3535_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9FF8579B7A57BDDCEE3B4387EF5E3535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_F79C297A9B6B2999F4894387EF5E108B" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9FF8579B7A57BDDCEE3B4387EF5E3535" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_BB45129D39EC5722D0314387EF5E716C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9FF8579B7A57BDDCEE3B4387EF5E3535" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyLLCMember_BB45129D39EC5722D0314387EF5E716C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_B69A95972A37E1FB992E4387EF5FD556" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_B69A95972A37E1FB992E4387EF5FD556" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_B69A95972A37E1FB992E4387EF5FD556" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_B69A95972A37E1FB992E4387EF5FD556" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member_7063C69EBE0D109451754387EF5F37D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ClearwayEnergyInc.Member_7063C69EBE0D109451754387EF5F37D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CEGMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CEGMember_3EBC37DCE3FE842EAF1C4387EF607673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_6E54EFD9B2308967C5BE4387EF5FFE95" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CEGMember_3EBC37DCE3FE842EAF1C4387EF607673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_4671CE650B551A0334394387EF605962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_NatureOfBusinessTable_154D55E9DA9EB52BBE2D4387EF5C15B9" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_4671CE650B551A0334394387EF605962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_4671CE650B551A0334394387EF605962" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_4671CE650B551A0334394387EF605962" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ConventionalGenerationUtilityScaleSolarDistributedSolarandWindMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationUtilityScaleSolarDistributedSolarandWindMember_6DC431BA2537669475A64387EF60FA86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationUtilityScaleSolarDistributedSolarandWindMember_6DC431BA2537669475A64387EF60FA86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember_68487D59B00AA08E57BD4387EF603CA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_C52D5FB09F189D6430844387EF600E87" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SolarFacilitiesMember_68487D59B00AA08E57BD4387EF603CA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C0EBB70C1D783828A62E4387EF6114B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationCapacityMegawatts_C0EBB70C1D783828A62E4387EF6114B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_87B1A7917E0EE574CE344387EF61AEFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NumberofSolarLeasesinPortfolio_87B1A7917E0EE574CE344387EF61AEFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9539273002BFAD3A30BC4387EF6237C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SteamAndChilledWaterCapacityMegawattsThermalEquivalent_9539273002BFAD3A30BC4387EF6237C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_51DB986066AA27CAF97F4387EF6251FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_51DB986066AA27CAF97F4387EF6251FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_81BEE47A2D864891CAE74387EF621D00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_81BEE47A2D864891CAE74387EF621D00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_544C14221BCFAEF697EE4387EF62C91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateNoncurrent_544C14221BCFAEF697EE4387EF62C91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_2A5CF2016D9E13083BE14387EF6295AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateCurrent_2A5CF2016D9E13083BE14387EF6295AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest" xlink:label="loc_cwen_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_2E5380C438B1C331B1E94387EF6243F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_cwen_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCorLimitedPartnershipLPMembersorLimitedPartnersVotingInterest_2E5380C438B1C331B1E94387EF6243F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_C1B7774BDBA401ABCD774387EF63B97E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_BasisofPresentationLineItems_08165C62F62C9E341E8B4387EF61503A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPMembersOrLimitedPartnersOwnershipInterest_C1B7774BDBA401ABCD774387EF63B97E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_6EAF31C0C671037BEC5967DFFB6DE4C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_6EAF31C0C671037BEC5967DFFB6DE4C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A6655241519E8C42DF8C67DFFB6D03D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_6EAF31C0C671037BEC5967DFFB6DE4C4" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A6655241519E8C42DF8C67DFFB6D03D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A6655241519E8C42DF8C67DFFB6D03D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesByTypeAxis_6EAF31C0C671037BEC5967DFFB6DE4C4" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A6655241519E8C42DF8C67DFFB6D03D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_EBE7028B402E3244F3D167DFFB6E36C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PowerGenerationFacilitiesTypeDomain_A6655241519E8C42DF8C67DFFB6D03D6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_EBE7028B402E3244F3D167DFFB6E36C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_03CA98EBED33D1ECB60967DFFB6E3BF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_03CA98EBED33D1ECB60967DFFB6E3BF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_03CA98EBED33D1ECB60967DFFB6E3BF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_03CA98EBED33D1ECB60967DFFB6E3BF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NrgMember_7001CD125B1E8427F38367DFFB6E5F1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NrgMember_7001CD125B1E8427F38367DFFB6E5F1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_B789D7A7F38815F7E22367DFFB6FAB69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_826F53CEC6D4C68F4ABB67DFFB6E02B0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_B789D7A7F38815F7E22367DFFB6FAB69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C548B7A5D2627B6158A367DFFB6F3E4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C548B7A5D2627B6158A367DFFB6F3E4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C548B7A5D2627B6158A367DFFB6F3E4F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C548B7A5D2627B6158A367DFFB6F3E4F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ESECMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ESECMember_74EE7839185ED5C7E26067DFFB6FA24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ESECMember_74EE7839185ED5C7E26067DFFB6FA24B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_8E339611E5664B7F4BB667DFFB701EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_8E339611E5664B7F4BB667DFFB701EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_CF3A0030E8DCE2C6DD4567DFFB703E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OperationsandMaintenanceservicesMember_CF3A0030E8DCE2C6DD4567DFFB703E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_MarshLandingMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_FEF83CE67C61CC8B4A8667DFFB7094E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_MarshLandingMember_FEF83CE67C61CC8B4A8667DFFB7094E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NRGYieldMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NRGYieldMember_1B3407246C129225C5E467DFFB703465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1023E2243EA954D85F2067DFFB6FDA1D" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NRGYieldMember_1B3407246C129225C5E467DFFB703465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_083CDDC551918FF0300C67DFFB708097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_DF1A809494CC7764EB3E67DFFB6D9787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_083CDDC551918FF0300C67DFFB708097" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_083CDDC551918FF0300C67DFFB708097" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_083CDDC551918FF0300C67DFFB708097" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_GceHoldingLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_GceHoldingLlcMember_4AB81B9CC93C34BD3CBE67DFFB716C6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_GceHoldingLlcMember_4AB81B9CC93C34BD3CBE67DFFB716C6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RENOMMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RENOMMember_9235E4707564CD55BF9667DFFB71302C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RENOMMember_9235E4707564CD55BF9667DFFB71302C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NrgMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NrgMember_39A95F224C6D3110AA9F67DFFB71D9DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NrgMember_39A95F224C6D3110AA9F67DFFB71D9DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_NRGWestCoastLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_NRGWestCoastLLCMember_3FA5EA9B012886DBB49767DFFB715AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_NRGWestCoastLLCMember_3FA5EA9B012886DBB49767DFFB715AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CEGMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CEGMember_3D763EEC7EFD7DAA96B767DFFB7224FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF7E31E0E3C2EF0ACA0367DFFB7066F6" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CEGMember_3D763EEC7EFD7DAA96B767DFFB7224FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_3A7A16F4B83BF83393DB67DFFB728827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrentAndNoncurrent_3A7A16F4B83BF83393DB67DFFB728827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_E9F27ED52F6335ED9BA367DFFB726E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_E9F27ED52F6335ED9BA367DFFB726E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_6DC86E8013AD63EB6BB767DFFB72FA6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_6DC86E8013AD63EB6BB767DFFB72FA6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A2F7C9B243749EFAD16167DFFB725F68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_A2F7C9B243749EFAD16167DFFB725F68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_1FCCF4D2B201EA21BAA967DFFB73CC74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_1FCCF4D2B201EA21BAA967DFFB73CC74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofRenewalOptions" xlink:label="loc_cwen_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofRenewalOptions_CDE2A185BE452862F44867DFFB731BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_cwen_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberofRenewalOptions_CDE2A185BE452862F44867DFFB731BD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_0B9DA95D20C4A338B46667EA96F60542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_0B9DA95D20C4A338B46667EA96F60542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_E17F2FCD012A81E0CFC167DFFB747FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_E17F2FCD012A81E0CFC167DFFB747FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_52DF26FA5B5DB27762CC67EA98FD9319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8A52C198E6E425F4A70B67DFFB72FC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_52DF26FA5B5DB27762CC67EA98FD9319" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C4001A5D7F246DADA34C596516EC9910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C4001A5D7F246DADA34C596516EC9910" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F39D9C494A69537C56C8596516EC88F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_C4001A5D7F246DADA34C596516EC9910" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F39D9C494A69537C56C8596516EC88F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F39D9C494A69537C56C8596516EC88F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F39D9C494A69537C56C8596516EC88F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_8DC35278EAF49AEDA800596516EDD97F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_8DC35278EAF49AEDA800596516EDD97F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_C4F5295F23DA6EA748DC596516EDEA1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_C4F5295F23DA6EA748DC596516EDEA1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_76C78F13D5D2DA5284B4596516ED5AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_76C78F13D5D2DA5284B4596516ED5AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_DC3D230EB6363B7DB4A8596516EE60C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_324ECE8F89508FD3C07F596516ED8F72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateMember_DC3D230EB6363B7DB4A8596516EE60C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_38D862BFB6EDAE0DEBA2596516EEE965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_38D862BFB6EDAE0DEBA2596516EEE965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_90FE8ACE17627E21D789596516EE0A66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_90FE8ACE17627E21D789596516EE0A66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_03DFFB80746A902C0EC1596516EEB70F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_03DFFB80746A902C0EC1596516EEB70F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_44DBE367AB799AF08586596516EF1F54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_44DBE367AB799AF08586596516EF1F54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_E8B44E25CFFD3429D894596516EF5973" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_E8B44E25CFFD3429D894596516EF5973" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_7FF6868F2DC7B94C9A63596516EF7259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_7FF6868F2DC7B94C9A63596516EF7259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts_BE8272A47379FD9F8CFB596516EF092E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsIncurredDevelopmentCosts_BE8272A47379FD9F8CFB596516EF092E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9E2096050EAD87253B2B596516EF677D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9E2096050EAD87253B2B596516EF677D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_85DB99F4CB904B5250EA596516EFF857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_85DB99F4CB904B5250EA596516EFF857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_F4E1DEEDB93C64040EEC596516F00B0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_F4E1DEEDB93C64040EEC596516F00B0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_6E52BD140F148C5F97CA596516F01BA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_6E52BD140F148C5F97CA596516F01BA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_053E2832A594F178B893596516F03645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_053E2832A594F178B893596516F03645" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_55A911E797D1870F388D596516F016B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_55A911E797D1870F388D596516F016B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_249D59F76BEC325C8C08596516F0DAFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_837569A19DCA1328C92A596516EE9ED2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_249D59F76BEC325C8C08596516F0DAFE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesContractAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_AEE17E2941D9531EDDB219BD0B3779C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_7E0C62EE9BBE30489BBB19BD0B355773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_AEE17E2941D9531EDDB219BD0B3779C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_7E0C62EE9BBE30489BBB19BD0B355773" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_651E8E3F415BD286682C19BD0B355C7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_7E0C62EE9BBE30489BBB19BD0B355773" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_651E8E3F415BD286682C19BD0B355C7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E8B43E9DDECE92150FF19BD0B35D4E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_651E8E3F415BD286682C19BD0B355C7F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E8B43E9DDECE92150FF19BD0B35D4E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E8B43E9DDECE92150FF19BD0B35D4E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_651E8E3F415BD286682C19BD0B355C7F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E8B43E9DDECE92150FF19BD0B35D4E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PGEMember_7706A2BEC537633D45AB19BD0B368435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E8B43E9DDECE92150FF19BD0B35D4E0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PGEMember_7706A2BEC537633D45AB19BD0B368435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_DAFC86E70181006671D019BD0B364E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_7E0C62EE9BBE30489BBB19BD0B355773" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_DAFC86E70181006671D019BD0B364E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_DAFC86E70181006671D019BD0B364E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_DAFC86E70181006671D019BD0B364E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_FD1CE639961D42F08E4619BD0B375387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_FD1CE639961D42F08E4619BD0B375387" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember_5B32ABCBCE64A4AF3C8C19BD0B37E769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_7990992F717FE44EDF7E19BD0B362170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember_5B32ABCBCE64A4AF3C8C19BD0B37E769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_1B705CF99B6A87310E7219BD0B3784B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_AEE17E2941D9531EDDB219BD0B3779C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_1B705CF99B6A87310E7219BD0B3784B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_B633F1760380A031C30119BD0B378D02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_AEE17E2941D9531EDDB219BD0B3779C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_B633F1760380A031C30119BD0B378D02" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_BD5E5A7D61460AD3C2EF5F12DA7D94D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_BD5E5A7D61460AD3C2EF5F12DA7D94D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_BD5E5A7D61460AD3C2EF5F12DA7D94D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_BD5E5A7D61460AD3C2EF5F12DA7D94D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_LongTermDebtCurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_LongTermDebtCurrentMember_D4248C83386A30D8481A5F1DD1DF61DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:to="loc_cwen_LongTermDebtCurrentMember_D4248C83386A30D8481A5F1DD1DF61DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OperatingFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OperatingFundsMember_9E6135D6B0958549E1A35F12DA7ED9BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OperatingFundsMember_9E6135D6B0958549E1A35F12DA7ED9BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember_2ABD8F3E5D83B910D2315F12DA7EF4D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember_2ABD8F3E5D83B910D2315F12DA7EF4D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_192A8B27D0F5DCBB1F4A5F12DA7EF1D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_192A8B27D0F5DCBB1F4A5F12DA7EF1D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember_85DC54A1AF2BA472DA5F5F12DA7E57F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_079D5F6ECB422A79B4E25F12DA7DF205" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember_85DC54A1AF2BA472DA5F5F12DA7E57F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PurposeAxis" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PurposeAxis_33278176029F56C8470C5F12DA7F458C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PurposeAxis_33278176029F56C8470C5F12DA7F458C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PurposeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeAxis_33278176029F56C8470C5F12DA7F458C" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_PurposeDomain" xlink:label="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeAxis_33278176029F56C8470C5F12DA7F458C" xlink:to="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_OperatingFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_OperatingFundsMember_DFE63076E4C37001DF445F12DA7FDAD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_OperatingFundsMember_DFE63076E4C37001DF445F12DA7FDAD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember_5E422701078B7749D79A5F12DA7FD28D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_DebtServiceObligationsMember_5E422701078B7749D79A5F12DA7FD28D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_B6E4500FE4A4462BFF805F12DA7FE931" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDistributionMember_B6E4500FE4A4462BFF805F12DA7FE931" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember_ABB4BBC9D5AA9C7259D75F12DA80B0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_PurposeDomain_D2E7F33384351742FE5A5F12DA7FA1BA" xlink:to="loc_cwen_SubsidiariesAffectedByBankruptcyMember_ABB4BBC9D5AA9C7259D75F12DA80B0CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2C9C86D4AD13A5686B4E5F12DA809257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2C9C86D4AD13A5686B4E5F12DA809257" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2C9C86D4AD13A5686B4E5F12DA809257" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2C9C86D4AD13A5686B4E5F12DA809257" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EnergyRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_CE6B46E984C7FD564BD05F12DA810848" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_CE6B46E984C7FD564BD05F12DA810848" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CapacityRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_D96321F3EC5EA93F18C45F12DA81BD47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D45BC7F62F67C6C690E35F12DA80957E" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_D96321F3EC5EA93F18C45F12DA81BD47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_60D56B7AB5F77F11CFC65F12DA815B25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_60D56B7AB5F77F11CFC65F12DA815B25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_60D56B7AB5F77F11CFC65F12DA815B25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_60D56B7AB5F77F11CFC65F12DA815B25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_48C4B17A164A127B3DEC5F12DA822678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_48C4B17A164A127B3DEC5F12DA822678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_FFE4E420327CB3510C4F5F12DA8244E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_FFE4E420327CB3510C4F5F12DA8244E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_4F8ABA83F2D8A858542E5F12DA827A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D54955892405C470AC75F12DA814774" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_4F8ABA83F2D8A858542E5F12DA827A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33E8E089CF9F407B28125F12DA82531F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33E8E089CF9F407B28125F12DA82531F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_780B71EB5E883B8EC6135F12DA8250AF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33E8E089CF9F407B28125F12DA82531F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_780B71EB5E883B8EC6135F12DA8250AF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_780B71EB5E883B8EC6135F12DA8250AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_33E8E089CF9F407B28125F12DA82531F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_780B71EB5E883B8EC6135F12DA8250AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EA876E00ADFB19CED0485F12DA8321DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_780B71EB5E883B8EC6135F12DA8250AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_EA876E00ADFB19CED0485F12DA8321DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9D3036F4570F5FADC34E5F12DA833C44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_62BA130E7AF7E9C249955F12DA7DFA80" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9D3036F4570F5FADC34E5F12DA833C44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_92F0D752A3308F738BC85F12DA830042_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9D3036F4570F5FADC34E5F12DA833C44" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_92F0D752A3308F738BC85F12DA830042_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_92F0D752A3308F738BC85F12DA830042" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9D3036F4570F5FADC34E5F12DA833C44" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_92F0D752A3308F738BC85F12DA830042" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember_D38E697552FE0741AFA65F12DA83CAF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_92F0D752A3308F738BC85F12DA830042" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ProjectLevelSubsidiariesMember_D38E697552FE0741AFA65F12DA83CAF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8F24671A99E81A8AC3DF5F12DA8402B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8F24671A99E81A8AC3DF5F12DA8402B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F3D1EF4DC948892E3B495F12DA84B519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_F3D1EF4DC948892E3B495F12DA84B519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_D367A9D9DAC1B32892BD5F12DA84490C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_D367A9D9DAC1B32892BD5F12DA84490C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0CA18901354104C51CF15F12DA8411DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0CA18901354104C51CF15F12DA8411DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_9CA5313D170C749D81785F12DA853998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_9CA5313D170C749D81785F12DA853998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_744C7306839E9A9766A55F12DA8598AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_744C7306839E9A9766A55F12DA8598AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_8EA58F2FE1A734B825E35F1B631E962E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_8EA58F2FE1A734B825E35F1B631E962E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_E792B87D97836D6574E25F12DA8567B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_E792B87D97836D6574E25F12DA8567B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_8926B6E0F19FC90FD5065F1B63867D0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_8926B6E0F19FC90FD5065F1B63867D0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_7FE5175F693DC8CF1F615F1B6400464D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_7FE5175F693DC8CF1F615F1B6400464D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_3374F4C56C50CA61FDFC5F12DA85079B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_3374F4C56C50CA61FDFC5F12DA85079B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization_913AC539315BE2EBBC045F12DA85D7A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization_913AC539315BE2EBBC045F12DA85D7A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_65886E6748E9810D2B1E5F12DA86ED4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_65886E6748E9810D2B1E5F12DA86ED4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue_2D19DA37C8DEF6F2EE075F12DA86E466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cwen_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_99F73FD3ADB54E768E8C5F12DA84CCF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue_2D19DA37C8DEF6F2EE075F12DA86E466" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_F9B4522389BAB9B4AC0D63CD459068C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_F9B4522389BAB9B4AC0D63CD459068C1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_ED483CB89E26328948BF63CD4590AB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_F9B4522389BAB9B4AC0D63CD459068C1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_ED483CB89E26328948BF63CD4590AB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8E32FE8C6735F7539F0263CD4590FB54_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_ED483CB89E26328948BF63CD4590AB9B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8E32FE8C6735F7539F0263CD4590FB54_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8E32FE8C6735F7539F0263CD4590FB54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_ED483CB89E26328948BF63CD4590AB9B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8E32FE8C6735F7539F0263CD4590FB54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_FFC93978C7FFD663C57463CD4591C6C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_8E32FE8C6735F7539F0263CD4590FB54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_FFC93978C7FFD663C57463CD4591C6C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_E0B987F1F0BCE2C676BC63CD45912BA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_F9B4522389BAB9B4AC0D63CD459068C1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_E0B987F1F0BCE2C676BC63CD45912BA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_E0B987F1F0BCE2C676BC63CD45912BA8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_E0B987F1F0BCE2C676BC63CD45912BA8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_EnergyRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_3E4437CEA67F5E0A1CB663CD45929E9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:to="loc_cwen_EnergyRevenueMember_3E4437CEA67F5E0A1CB663CD45929E9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_CapacityRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_49F802A53F49F6C8564A63CD4592D4E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:to="loc_cwen_CapacityRevenueMember_49F802A53F49F6C8564A63CD4592D4E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ProductsAndServicesOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ProductsAndServicesOtherMember_50123936EF5F7B1B32A563CD45923CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ProductsAndServicesOtherMember_50123936EF5F7B1B32A563CD45923CF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember_F4618C851455307EF08D63CD45920AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_76E2C0B14C86D4696FDD63CD45918864" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RevenueRelatedtoLeasesMember_F4618C851455307EF08D63CD45920AD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1BE6EBB15038F6FE211863CD45931523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_F9B4522389BAB9B4AC0D63CD459068C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1BE6EBB15038F6FE211863CD45931523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1BE6EBB15038F6FE211863CD45931523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1BE6EBB15038F6FE211863CD45931523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_F388B87D7E3578CF323D63CD45931E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ConventionalGenerationMember_F388B87D7E3578CF323D63CD45931E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RenewablesMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_1EF51A495AF838A96BFD63CD459340C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RenewablesMember_1EF51A495AF838A96BFD63CD459340C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_ThermalMember" xlink:label="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_A3AEEC3E69E7393C6CB763CD45941A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B17BE6A3E6E6CBB1737F63CD4593F264" xlink:to="loc_cwen_ThermalMember_A3AEEC3E69E7393C6CB763CD45941A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_34E72EF7B14BF121269463CD4594C224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_34E72EF7B14BF121269463CD4594C224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization_39614D5E0901369971DD63CD45948B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostAmortization_39614D5E0901369971DD63CD45948B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cwen-20190630.xsd#cwen_RevenueMarktomarketHedgingActivities" xlink:label="loc_cwen_RevenueMarktomarketHedgingActivities_9E44AAAA89B21552882563CD4594C286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_cwen_RevenueMarktomarketHedgingActivities_9E44AAAA89B21552882563CD4594C286" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D4B55E8FFDEBC291DD2A63CD4595F49B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_D4B55E8FFDEBC291DD2A63CD4595F49B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_BFAF4DEC524C20614CEA63CD4595E772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_DF327510CDEEE6FD04CC63CD4594A96C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_BFAF4DEC524C20614CEA63CD4595E772" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.clearwayenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
