Chile presidential favorite says HidroAysen project not viable

[Judi Lynn]

Chile presidential favorite says HidroAysen project not viable
Sun Jun 23, 2013 11:56pm EDT

SANTIAGO, June 23 (Reuters) - Chilean presidential favorite Michelle Bachelet said on Sunday night she is against the planned 2,750-megawatt HidroAysen hydropower project, suggesting the controversial complex still faces an uphill battle.

Bachelet, a popular center-leftist who served as president of the world's top copper-exporting nation from 2006 to 2010, is widely expected to win a Nov. 17 presidential election against a weakened right-wing bloc.

"I'm not in favor of HidroAysen and I don't think it's viable," Bachelet said during a televised debate with three other presidential candidates vying for the left-wing bloc's nomination. "It shouldn't go forward," she added.

Chile's supreme court approved HidroAysen's five generating units, but environmentalists then brought the project to a special ministerial group for review.

Opponents slam HidroAysen on the grounds it would harm pristine Patagonia's environment and tourism.

More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/24/chile-bachelet-hidroaysen-idUSL2N0F001820130624?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews&rpc=401

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[Socialistlemur]

1. They could build a nuclear power plant I suppose

When it comes to electricity they have choices: burn coal, nuclear power, wind or hydro. The problem with wind is the need to back it up. So they could use wind generators and use the hydro for backup. Or I guess they can use nuclear. I don't think they'll go for coal. This will set up a nice set of demonstrations, the anti nukes against the anti hydro teams. Bachelet could stand in the battlefield and referee the outcome. I got a tendency to think she will go with hydro's team in the end.