San Carlos hydroelectric project resumes environmental evaluation in Chile

Inversiones San Carlos SpA has submitted a new Environmental Impact Study (EIA) to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) for the San Carlos hydroelectric project on the Biobío River. The project represents an estimated investment of US$420 million and aims to provide 154.4 MW of capacity to the National Electric System.

The proposed run-of-river plant is located near the border of the Los Ángeles and Mulchén communes, specifically in the San Carlos de Purén area. The design involves an intervention area of approximately 694 hectares and utilizes three Kaplan-type turbogenerators. The project is intended to operate until October 2084.

The updated filing addresses previous observations from public entities and local communities regarding water resource management, aquatic ecosystem protection, and riverbank stability. To mitigate environmental impact, the plan includes measures to ensure a permanent ecological flow to protect native fish species.