Malalcahuello Hydropower

Malalcahuello power plant forms part of the Carilafquen-Malalcahuello project, and is located in a rural area in the Araucania region. Its operations have progressed while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding communities and protecting the environment.
FACTS
Location

Melipeuco, Chile

Technology

Run of the river hydro

Attributes

Environmental impact, Local impact

Producing electricity since

2016

Developer/owner

Latin America Power S.A.

Estimated annual generation

47 GWh

Total capacity

9.2 MW

Malalcahuello Run of River power plant is a project of Latin America Power, a company that has become an important player in the energy sector of Chile and Perú in the last decade, providing renewable energy to the generation mix of both countries.

Malalcahuello power plant is a 9 MW run of river facility located in Melipeuco, Araucania Region, Chile (approximately 850 Km south of Santiago). The asset is comprised of 2 Andritz turbines of 4.5 MW. Carilafquen-Malalcahuello complex began its operations in March 2016. Carilafquen-Malalcahuello operations are in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem, as well as the surrounding communities and the environment, reducing its impact as far as possible, and building close and trusting relationships with local communities.

Latin America Power S.A.

Latin America Power (LAP) has become an important player in the energy sector of Chile and Perú over the last decade, providing renewable energy to the generation mix of both countries.

From 2011 to the present day, LAP has been characterized by its development of projects of diverse sources of energy, such as hydroelectricity, wind, and solar power, all the while maintaining a close relationship with the local communities and protecting the environment. LAP counts on the support of its partners in Brazil, BTG Pactual, Patria Investments, and GMR Energía, who created the company ERSA/CPFL Renovaveis in 2006.

Latin America Power’s history is marked by the development and strengthening of diverse flagship projects and the communities surrounding them. Thus, the company’s first investment in Chile was the construction of the run-of-river hydroelectric power plant Carilafquen-Malalcahuello in Melipeuco, in the Araucanía region, and the San Juan wind plant is now one of the largest wind power plants in operation in Chile. Moreover, LAP operate six hydroelectric power plants in isolated locations of Peru, which were materialized through State contracts. They have also developed important work with farmer communities surrounding each project through investment funds to improve productive activity and communal infrastructure.

Currently, LAP has 10 projects in operation across Chile and Peru, which provide over 340 MW of clean energy to the generation mix of both countries.

Latin America Power: A Company Committed to Sustainability

Sustainability is the guiding principle for Latin America Power’s entire operations, as they are fully committed to protecting their environment. They continually engage with their local communities, in order to contribute to their development and growth.

I. Socio-environmental policy

It is fundamental that Latin America Power implements its projects in an environmentally friendly fashion, which, based on clean technologies, ensures rational natural resource use while recovering environments and reducing waste. We aim to contribute to national development and growth. We respect national legislation, actively participate in trade organizations, and implement projects that benefit local communities.

One first pillar is therefore environmental responsibility, since all our processes are responsible, in harmony with the environment, and comply with every standard and requirement.

II. Investment in renewable energy projects

We only participate in Non-Conventional Renewable Energy projects that minimize our environmental impact and contribute to building an environmentally friendly community.

III. Community engagement

LAP’s sustainability framework is renowned among its stakeholders. We have developed a climate of respect that accepts the cultures, values, and traditions of our local communities through sustained engagement. We actively plan and pa

rticipate in any local economic and social development opportunity.

Our community engagement and relations are further organized under 4 fundamental pillars, which respond to Latin America Power’s commitment to each country.

Responsible business
  • Raising awareness of the Complaints and Concerns system
  • Training on system access
  • Complaints and Concerns management
Links with the environment
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Definitions of strategic investments
Community investment
  • Community investment funds
  • Implementing social commitments and environmental requirements
Communication
  • Social visits to production centers
  • Public milestones regarding process closures
  • Publishing activities