Chile rejects construction of 170 MW hydro project

The 170 MW hydro project has received rejections from the two communities in Los Rios, Chile. Construction risks such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, mass removal and fires were sited due to the project's location. Damage to the local community, biodiversity and tourism were also considered.

The US$607 million San Pedro hydroelectric project was environmentally approved in 2008. The construction works began in early 2009. Two years later, when the project had progressed by 15%, the construction works were temporarily suspended to make additional topographic, geotechnical and geological studies, because poor quality rock was found on the northern slope and upon movement detection on the slopes and southern hillside.

As a result, adjustments have been made the original project, which are being analyzed. The commissioning period has not yet been defined.