Founded on 20 January 1995, Energía Austral is a subsidiary of Xstrata Copper and forms part of its Business Development area. Energía Austral is currently developing the electricity generating project of the same name, which envisages the construction of three hydroelectric plants and a transmission system to inject the power produced into Chile’s Central Interconnected Grid (SIC).

The three plants - Cuervo, Blanco and Cóndor - will be located in the Aysén municipal district of the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region and will provide Chile with clean and renewable energy. All these projects will meet the highest technical, environmental and design standards.

When in full operation, Energía Austral will have a total generating capacity of just over 1,000 MW, making a significant contribution to supplying Chile’s energy needs. The project will, in addition, replace other energy sources that represent annual emissions of some 3 million tonnes of C02.

A constant quest for excellence characterises Energía Austral. It permanently strives to develop the most appropriate projects, respecting their location, its specific conditions and, particularly, its environmental and geographic characteristics and those of the communities present in the area where the projects will be built.

Energía Austral’s actions are guided by its total adherence to the principles of sustainable development. As a result, all its projects are developed within a framework of absolute respect and of harmonious relations with the people and communities that make up its surroundings.

Energía Austral has, in addition, undertaken to be a responsible corporate citizen, incorporating into its projects the World Bank’s guidelines, the national legislation in force and the highest international technical, social and environmental standards.