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More about renewable energy
Renewable energy includes resources that rely on fuel sources that restore themselves over short periods of time and do not diminish. Such fuel sources include the sun, wind, moving water, organic plant and waste material (eligible biomass), and the earth’s heat (geothermal).
Project photos
Project information
The Chacayes Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-river hydroelectric power scheme developed on the Cachapoal River within the Alto Cachapoal basin in Chile. The project was developed by Pacific Hydro and utilises the hydrological resources of the Cachapoal and the Cipreses Rivers to generate approximately 560,457 MWh of electricity (net) per annum which will be exported to the Chilean main electricity grid.
Hydroelectric projects generate electricity from flowing water, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels to generate power, providing many benefits to the environment, such as preserving natural resources, reducing dependency on non-renewable resources and improving community health.
Operating since 2011, the plant plays an important role meeting Chile’s electricity demand, reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to the economic growth and sustainable development of local communities.
The project developer has also implemented a long-term community plan which engages with local populations after the commissioning of the hydro power station. This includes a sustainable communities fund “Creciendo Juntos” (Growing Together), which since its creation has delivered over a million dollars to the communities of the Alto Cachapoal Valley.
CO2 emissions reduction
An ex-ante calculation of the project’s annual carbon emission reductions for the crediting period 30/07/2019 – 29/07/2026:
| Baseline emissions | 234,271 MT CO2-e |
| Project activity emissions | 0 MT CO2-e |
| Overall emissions reduction | 234,271MT CO2-e |
Sustainable Development Goals
As a Paying.Green® member, your investment not only benefits the environment, but it also supports communities through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This project reduces carbon emissions by reducing the country’s reliance on burning fossil fuels which also provides a significant improvement in air quality in the region.
The project has provided employment for the local community in the Alto Cachapoal Valley where the local employment opportunities are low.
The Chacayes project has greatly improved local infrastructure by building roads and bridges which benefits overall economic activi
This project results in anl estimated reduction in emissions of 234,271 MT CO2-e.
Project location
The project is located in the Alto Cachapoal Valley of the Andes Mountains in Chile.