Chile Rejects Hydro Projects

Two of world's wildest rivers have been spared hydroelectric development by a Chilean ministerial commission. The $8bn proposal to dam the Patagonian rivers Baker and Pascua, and build 1,000 miles of high-power to supply central Chile with power was defeated by public outcry that sometimes turned violent. The vote by the ministers of agricultural, energy, mining, economy and health was unanimous. The executive secretary of the Patagonian Defense Council called the decision the greatest victory for Chile's environmental movement so far. The five proposed dams would have drowned 14,000 acres that includes whitewater, waterfalls, green valleys and the diminutive Southern Huemul deer. Only 1,000 of these precious creatures are believed to still exist. Last year Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said the HidroAysen project was not viable. The dams are planned to produce 2750MW or about a third of central Chile's needs within 12 years. Instead of hydro power she proposed meeting energy shortages by alternative sources and liquified natural gas. Chile's economically significant mining industry is energy intensive. The companies behind the joint venture can appeal the decision to an environmental court. The legal battle is expected to be protracted.