Overview
Providencia is a 14 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by Hidroelectrica Providencia S.A. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity.
Providencia is a hydroelectric power plant located in Chile, specifically in the Maule Region near the coordinates 35.47°S, 71.27°W. With a capacity of 14 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the national power generation sector. The plant is owned and operated by Hidroelectrica Providencia S.A. and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, Providencia utilizes the flow of water to generate electricity, a technology that is well-established in Chile due to the country's mountainous terrain and abundant water resources. The plant operates under Chile's national energy regulations, which promote renewable energy sources. The 14 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric plants, which typically range from a few MW to over 1,000 MW. The environmental significance of Providencia lies in its role as a renewable energy source, producing electricity without direct CO2 emissions. Its operation contributes to Chile's goal of increasing renewable energy penetration. The plant's location in a rural area minimizes local air quality impacts, though it may affect local aquatic ecosystems through water flow alterations.
Environmental context
The Providencia hydroelectric plant is situated in a region with significant water resources, which supports its operation. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based facility, it may influence local hydrology and aquatic habitats. The plant's small capacity and renewable nature result in a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing direct human exposure to any operational impacts.
Frequently asked questions
The Providencia hydroelectric power plant is located in Chile, in the Maule Region, approximately at latitude -35.4697 and longitude -71.2729.
The Providencia hydroelectric power plant has a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The Providencia hydroelectric plant is owned and operated by Hidroelectrica Providencia S.A.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile operate under the country's General Law of Electrical Services and environmental regulations enforced by the Superintendence of the Environment. They must comply with water usage rights and environmental impact assessments.
As a renewable hydroelectric plant, Providencia contributes to Chile's diversified energy mix, supporting the country's goals to increase non-conventional renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.