Overview
LIRCAY is a 19 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by HIDROMAULE S.A. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
LIRCAY is a hydroelectric power plant located in Chile, with an installed capacity of 19 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by HIDROMAULE S.A. and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, aligning with Chile's growing focus on renewable energy sources. The plant's capacity of 19 MW places it in the small-to-medium scale category for hydroelectric facilities. In Chile, hydroelectric power is a significant component of the national energy mix, supported by the country's mountainous terrain and river systems. Regulatory oversight for such plants typically involves environmental impact assessments and water usage permits under Chilean law. LIRCAY plays a role in supplying clean electricity to the local grid, contributing to energy diversification and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its operation supports Chile's goals for renewable energy integration and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The plant's location in the Maule Region benefits from consistent water flows, ensuring reliable power generation.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, LIRCAY produces electricity with minimal direct emissions of CO2, SOx, or NOx, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel generation. However, hydroelectric projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's capacity of 19 MW suggests a relatively small footprint, potentially reducing ecological disruption compared to larger dams. Proximity to populated areas and specific environmental impacts depend on local conditions, but the facility operates under Chilean environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
LIRCAY is located in Chile, specifically in the Maule Region. The plant's coordinates are approximately 35.5373° S, 71.2614° W.
LIRCAY has an installed capacity of 19 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
LIRCAY is owned and operated by HIDROMAULE S.A., a company involved in hydroelectric power generation in Chile.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile must comply with environmental impact assessments under Law 19,300 and water usage permits from the General Water Directorate (DGA). They are also subject to emissions standards and biodiversity protection measures.
LIRCAY adds 19 MW of renewable hydroelectric capacity to Chile's grid, supporting the country's goal of increasing non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) to 70% by 2050.