Will Energía Austral’s dams be safe in an earthquake?

Yes, they will be safe. It is important to remember that, because Chile is a seismic and volcanic country, it has specialised government services that are expert in setting norms to minimise the danger of collapse during an earthquake.

Many of Chile’s hydroelectric plants are located close to a volcano or a geological fault including, for example, those on the Maule River (Colbún, Pehuenche, Isla, Cipreses, Curillinque, Loma Alta and San Ignacio), on the Biobío River (Pangue and Ralco) and on Lake Laja (Antuco, El Toro and Abanico). The engineering used in these plants ensures their installations’ safety and they have remained in normal operation after major earthquakes such as that of 27 February 2010.

Energía Austral complies with all Chilean norms and the highest international standards, providing us with the assurance that, in the event of an earthquake or the eruption of a volcano, its installations will not represent a danger for the population.

In conjunction with the local and national authorities, Energía Austral will, nonetheless, prepare the usual contingency plans with which all constructions of this type in Chile must comply.