AES Gener to modify Alto Maipo hydro project

Chilean generator AES Gener will modify its USD 600 million Alto Maipo hydro project as a result of consultations with local residents. The project entails the construction of two run-of-river plants including Alfalfal II in the Colorado sub-basin downstream from the existing Alfalfal I plant and Las Lejas plant near the confluence of the Maipo river and El Manzano marsh. The two plants will add 530MW of capacity to Chiles central SIC grid.

The changes will improve the environmental conditions of the project. The proposed solutions are technologically possible but will require more complicated engineering. All of the works previously planned for El Manzano zone will be relocated and moved 15km upstream. Works planned for the area include the machine house for Las Lajas plant. The two plants will be remotely run from an existing control center the company has for its Alfalfal 1 and Maitenes plants.

The construction of new roads into the mountain will be minimized and the new plans will use more tunneling machines. More than 95% of the works for the plants will be underground.

Publication: Euclid Infotech - Utilities News
Provider: Euclid Infotech
Date: February 5, 2008