EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement No. 333-97707 of The AES Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated June 24, 2004, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of The AES Corporation Profit Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan for the year ended December 31, 2003.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

McLean, Virginia

June 24, 2004