Responsabilidad Socio - Ambiental en Proyectos Hidroeléctricos: El Caso Río Zamora – Santiago

Abstract

CELEC EP-HIDROPAUTE operates the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant (170 MW) and the Molino Hydroelectric Power Plant (1,075 MW), oversees construction of the Sopladora Project (487 MW) and manages studies for the Cardenillo Project (593 MW) and the Rio Zamora Santiago Project (>5,500MW pre-feasibility).

The National Government, acting through the Ministerio de Electricidad y Energía Renovable – MEER (The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy) has made it a policy that electric power generation projects should stimulate the sustainable development of neighbouring communities, ensuring quality, security, environmental management and social responsibility. During studies for the Rio Zamora-Santiago Hydroelectric Project (PHRZS), 94 local communities were identified and contacted through surveys, meetings, domestic visits, and interviews, making it possible to contact community leaders and the population in general to inform them about the project and understand their expectations.

The highest expectation created by a project of this nature involves satisfying basic unmet needs. It was determined that 42% of the population considers the development of basic utilities to be a priority, and electrical power has been emphasized in particular.

Social and Environmental Management of the HIDROPAUTE Business Unit has planned the implementation of certain development projects, such as drinking water, sewerage, and electrification. Where PHRZS is concerned, the execution of rural electrification and public lighting has been planned through agreements reached with CENTROSUR, the energy distribution company.

As of July 2013, 205 new clients and 820 beneficiaries have been incorporated. A second stage is expected to follow, which will include 120 new clients and around 500 beneficiaries.

While such electric power generation projects may very well comply with current regulations, they do not guarantee an adequate development of the areas where they are implemented, given the demand of local communities to improve their standard of life. This requires public incentive, with a cross-sector focus, which goes beyond the responsibility of “building a project” and leads its developers to become involved in the development process through the provision of basic utility services.