La Patagonie sans barrages
About the Organization
Patagonia Sin Represas is a coalition of over 60 organizations without a formal legal structure or hierarchy. Decisions are made collaboratively during bi-monthly meetings of member organization leaders. The coalition operates with multiple local, national, and international spokespeople rather than a single representative.
Each member organization has a specific role: Chile Ambiente focuses on political debate, Greenpeace disseminates actions and partner network progress, Aysén Reserva de Vida works at the local level, and Codeff protects ecosystems. This decentralized approach ensures information reaches citizens transparently, positioning the coalition as a facilitator of energy debate rather than a power-seeking entity.
Current Campaign Focus
Patagonia Sin Represas is currently concentrated on halting a hydroelectric project that would involve constructing 60-meter-high pylons to transport up to 700,000 volts of electricity across Chile for 2,000 kilometers. The proposed transmission lines would cross the Andes, significantly impacting the landscape.
A cadastral study revealed that HydroAysén had registered many sites as mining properties to bypass legal restrictions for drilling. The coalition intervened by providing detailed analysis of the potential route's consequences and alerting affected property owners to defend against the electricity multinationals.
Environmental Significance of Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the largest freshwater reserves in the Southern Hemisphere, with stable river flows that make it attractive for hydroelectric development. Beyond water resources, it contains the planet's largest temperate-cold forest ecosystem, hosting unique and irreplaceable biodiversity.
Water Law Reform Assessment
The water law established under Pinochet's dictatorship remains fundamentally anti-democratic, granting multinational corporations free and perpetual water concessions. Partial reforms under President Lagos introduced progressive taxes for unused water rights, with HydroAysén now paying $5 million annually for Baker and Pascua river concessions.
The coalition advocates for temporary water rights (10-20 years with possible extensions for significant investments) rather than perpetual concessions, arguing that the state cannot relinquish its water rights indefinitely.
HydroAysén Project Status
Colbún's decision to suspend its participation in HydroAysén appears as a response to public opposition but actually represents a strategic pause. The company has not abandoned the project or dissolved the partnership with Endesa España, instead waiting for government guarantees to proceed despite potential protests.
Colbún's ambiguous message to the Piñera government essentially demands legal and administrative protections to ensure the project's completion regardless of public opposition. While this development questions the project's viability, it does not represent a definitive cancellation.
Other Hydroelectric Projects
Beyond HydroAysén, other significant projects include Alto Maipo (AES Gener), Hidroeléctrica Neltume (Endesa), Río Cuervo (Energía Austral), and Los Cóndores (Endesa). Patagonia Sin Represas has created synergies across similar projects, with many member organizations participating in multiple campaigns.
The coalition shares information and cooperates to prevent unilateral decisions by private investors regarding dam construction locations.
Economic Analysis of HydroAysén
HydroAysén's projected $7 billion investment (including 2,000 km of transmission lines) would generate 19,000 GWh annually, producing $1.6 billion in revenue at current market prices. After production costs, the project would yield $1 billion annually, allowing full investment recovery in under 10 years.
Given that Endesa and Colbún control 75% of Chile's electricity production (potentially 80% with HydroAysén), there is no incentive to reduce energy prices as promised. The project's profitability for investors contrasts with uncertain benefits for consumers.
Public Awareness Impact
Patagonia Sin Represas has successfully shifted public consciousness regarding Chile's energy issues, countering HydroAysén's extensive propaganda campaign. A notable example was the rejection of HydroAysén's advertisement depicting a woman causing a stadium blackout by using a hairdryer, which backfired and increased public opposition to the project.
Alternative Energy Proposals
Chile's per capita energy consumption (2,500 kWh annually) is one-third of Europe's, with the mining industry as the primary consumer. Approved mining projects worth $100 billion over the next decade will double electricity demand.
The coalition proposes requiring mining operations to source 30% of their energy from renewable sources. Solar energy presents significant potential, with the Atacama Desert offering the world's highest solar radiation levels between Arica and Copiapó.
While solar investments may have longer payback periods (up to 20 years), they eliminate fuel waste and environmental damage associated with thermal plants. The coalition argues that renewable energy ultimately proves less expensive when considering societal benefits.
Barriers to Renewable Energy
Chile's energy sector suffers from monopoly control, with Endesa and Colbún producing 75% of the country's electricity (potentially 80% with HydroAysén). This concentration of power creates significant political influence that hinders environmental and transparency policies.
The primary obstacle to renewable energy development is Chile's current institutional framework, which favors large monopolies. Fundamental reforms are needed to address this structural issue.
Political Landscape
While all presidential candidates have expressed support for environmental policies, only Marco Enriquez-Ominami has explicitly opposed the HydroAysén project. Traditional left-wing parties supporting Michelle Bachelet maintain a productivist stance, believing economic growth alone will improve living standards.
This perspective leads to reluctance in opposing projects that appear to promote economic development. During Bachelet's first term (2006-2010), only $40 million annually was allocated to energy conservation promotion, highlighting the limited commitment to alternative approaches.