First stage of HidroAysén to be ready not before 2021
08-Aug-2012 Pulso – News
It has a one-year delay with respect to previous forecast of (October 2011) Chilean NCE and almost four-year delay if compared against the 2010 forecast
First forecasts for HidroAysén to enter the SIC system indicated the complex would be working at the beginning of this decade.
However, it did not happen, and in spite of it date has been delayed over and over for now being set for 2021 in accordance with the last program of recommended works issued by Chilean NCE that yesterday brought to public knowledge the last nodal price corresponding to April this year. The project lead by Endesa and Colbún is currently stopped. Furthermore, main contract between HidroAysén and Australian Engineering Consortium GHD has been put on hold. The Australian company has participated in socialization and design of Environmental Impact Survey of transmission line that is almost finished. Besides, the company has restructured site staff.
As reported by some sources most of employees working for the company in the project region (particularly in Coyhaique, region capital) have been separated from the company.
This occurs after Colbún decided to ask for definitive postponement of transmission line surveys by reporting serious problems for carrying them out.
Higher demand
In accordance with the Chilean NCE report energy demand is estimated to increase 6.5% this year in SIC system with respect to previous year.
From 2018 onwards estimates reduce and annual growth forecasts are in the surrounding of 5% to get to 4.9% in 2022.
It is experts’ opinion that higher demand for energy will put the system in check by 2016 when most difficult period will be experienced due to lack of new plants coming into the system, mainly thermoelectric and water-generated power plants, as a result of the judicialization process many of them have been facing because of opposition from communities.
