Overview
San Andres is a 40 MW hydroelectric power plant in Chile, operated by Hidroelectrica San Andres Ltda. It contributes to Chile's renewable energy capacity.
San Andres is a hydroelectric power plant located in Chile, with a capacity of 40 MW. It is owned and operated by Hidroelectrica San Andres Ltda. The plant is operational and plays a role in the country's renewable energy generation. The facility operates as a run-of-river or reservoir-based hydroelectric plant, typical for the region. Chile's hydroelectric sector is regulated under national environmental and energy laws, including the General Law of Electrical Services and environmental impact assessment requirements. The plant's technology and scale are consistent with medium-sized hydro projects in the country. As a renewable energy source, San Andres contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Its operation supports local grid stability and provides clean electricity to the surrounding area. The plant's location in the central-south region of Chile benefits from the Andes mountain runoff, ensuring reliable water supply for generation.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation in Chile is influenced by the country's mountainous geography and seasonal water availability. The San Andres plant, located in the central-south region, relies on snowmelt and rainfall patterns. While hydroelectricity is low-carbon, it can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's capacity of 40 MW places it in the medium-scale category, with potential impacts on river habitats and downstream water users.
Frequently asked questions
The San Andres hydroelectric power plant is located in Chile, with coordinates approximately 34.7347° S, 70.3825° W, in the central-south region of the country.
The San Andres hydroelectric power plant has a capacity of 40 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
The San Andres hydroelectric plant is owned by Hidroelectrica San Andres Ltda., which also operates the facility.
Hydroelectric plants in Chile are regulated under the General Law of Electrical Services and must undergo environmental impact assessments as per the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA). They also comply with water use rights and renewable energy promotion laws.
The San Andres plant adds 40 MW of renewable hydroelectric capacity to Chile's grid, supporting the country's goals for clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.