Overview
Cuesta del Viento is a 10.55 MW hydroelectric power plant in Argentina, operated by EPSE. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix.
Cuesta del Viento is a hydroelectric power plant located in Argentina, with an installed capacity of 10.55 MW. The facility is owned by EPSE - Energia Provincial Sociedad del Estado and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, providing a renewable source of power to the region. The plant operates within Argentina's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes incentives for hydroelectric power under the Renewable Energy Law (Law 27.191). Hydroelectric plants like Cuesta del Viento typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology, and the 10.55 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for the sector. Argentina has significant hydroelectric potential, particularly in the Andean region, and this facility contributes to diversifying the country's energy matrix. Environmentally, hydroelectric power offers low direct emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, but it can have local ecological impacts related to water flow and habitat alteration. Cuesta del Viento's relatively small scale likely minimizes these effects. The plant supports grid stability and provides clean energy to the surrounding area, aligning with Argentina's goals to increase renewable energy penetration.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and sediment transport. Cuesta del Viento's small capacity (10.55 MW) suggests limited environmental disturbance. The plant is located in a semi-arid region of Argentina, where water resources are critical. Proper management of water releases is essential to maintain downstream ecological balance.
Frequently asked questions
Cuesta del Viento is located in Argentina, with coordinates approximately 30.18°S, 69.07°W. It is situated in the Andean region, likely in San Juan province.
Cuesta del Viento has an installed capacity of 10.55 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by EPSE - Energia Provincial Sociedad del Estado, a provincial energy company in Argentina.
Hydroelectric plants in Argentina are regulated under the Renewable Energy Law (Law 27.191) and environmental laws requiring environmental impact assessments. The National Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENRE) oversees grid integration.
Small hydroelectric plants like Cuesta del Viento have low greenhouse gas emissions but can alter local hydrology and aquatic habitats. Mitigation measures include fish ladders and minimum flow requirements.