Overview
CHACABUQUITO is a 26 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by COLBUN S.A. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
CHACABUQUITO is a hydroelectric power plant located in Chile, operated by COLBUN S.A. With a capacity of 26 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the country's diverse energy mix. The plant is operational and plays a role in supplying renewable electricity to the grid. Hydroelectric power plants like CHACABUQUITO harness the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. In Chile, hydroelectric power is a significant component of the energy sector, supported by the country's mountainous geography and river systems. The plant operates under Chile's national energy regulations, which promote renewable energy development and environmental stewardship. The facility contributes to Chile's goals of increasing renewable energy penetration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based plant, it provides clean electricity with minimal fuel costs. Its location in the central region supports local energy needs and grid stability.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The CHACABUQUITO plant, with a capacity of 26 MW, is relatively small, which may reduce its environmental impact compared to larger dams. Its operation in Chile's central region, near the Andes, involves managing water resources carefully to balance energy production with ecological and agricultural needs.
Frequently asked questions
CHACABUQUITO is located in Chile, with coordinates approximately 32.85°S, 70.51°W, in the central region near the Andes.
The CHACABUQUITO hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 26 megawatts (MW).
The plant is owned and operated by COLBUN S.A., a major energy company in Chile.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile are regulated by the Ministry of Energy and the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels (SEC), with environmental oversight from the Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) under Law 19,300 on Environmental Bases.
As a renewable hydroelectric plant, CHACABUQUITO supports Chile's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 by providing clean, low-emission electricity to the grid.