Overview
Los Molles is an 18 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by Endesa. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
Los Molles is a hydroelectric power plant located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, with a capacity of 18 MW. The facility is owned by Endesa, a major energy company in Chile, and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity, supporting Chile's energy grid with renewable power. The plant operates under Chile's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes incentives for non-conventional renewable sources. Hydroelectric plants like Los Molles are a key part of Chile's energy mix, which also includes solar, wind, and thermal generation. The technology typically involves turbines driven by water flow, with efficiency depending on water availability and head height. Los Molles plays a role in supplying clean energy to the region, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its capacity of 18 MW places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric plants, but it still contributes to local grid stability and supports Chile's goals for renewable energy expansion.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and habitat disruption. The plant's location in a mountainous region of Chile may involve seasonal water availability, influencing generation patterns. The plant's small scale likely minimizes local environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Los Molles is located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, at coordinates 30.7447° S, 70.5875° W.
Los Molles has an installed capacity of 18 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by Endesa, a leading energy company in Chile. Typically Endesa manages its own facilities.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile operate under the General Law of Electrical Services and the Law for Non-Conventional Renewable Energies (Law 20.257), which promote renewable energy development and grid integration.
As a hydroelectric plant, Los Molles provides renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Chile's goal of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050.