Overview
Loma Alta is a 40 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by Empresa Electrica Pehuenche S.A. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
Loma Alta is a hydroelectric power plant located in Chile, with an installed capacity of 40 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Empresa Electrica Pehuenche S.A., a key player in Chile's energy sector. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity, supporting the country's grid with renewable energy. The plant operates under Chile's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes incentives for non-conventional renewable sources. Hydroelectric power is a mature technology in Chile, benefiting from the country's mountainous terrain and river systems. The 40 MW capacity places Loma Alta in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric plants in the region. Environmentally, hydroelectric power has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but it can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's location in the Maule Region, near the Andes, suggests it utilizes water from snowmelt or rivers. Its operation supports Chile's goals of increasing renewable energy share and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation, while renewable, can alter river ecosystems and affect aquatic habitats. The Loma Alta plant's location in a mountainous region may involve water diversion and reservoir creation, impacting local hydrology. However, it produces no direct air emissions, contributing to Chile's clean energy transition. The facility's capacity of 40 MW indicates a moderate scale, with potential cumulative effects on the watershed.
Frequently asked questions
Loma Alta is located in Chile, specifically in the Maule Region near the Andes mountains, with coordinates approximately 35.79°S, 70.98°W.
Loma Alta has an installed capacity of 40 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Empresa Electrica Pehuenche S.A., a Chilean energy company.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile are regulated under the General Law of Electrical Services and the Renewable Energy Law, which promote non-conventional renewable sources. Environmental impact assessments are required under Law 19.300.
Hydroelectric plants can alter river flows, affect aquatic ecosystems, and may require reservoirs that impact land use. However, they produce no direct greenhouse gas emissions, making them a low-carbon energy source.