As Chile debates how to meet growing energy demand, controversial dam plans are flowering not just in the Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia, but on several prized rivers in the south of the country. Government authorities consider the trend a necessary response to estimated 6% annual growth in power demand, but green advocates argue the projects put some of Chile’s most valuable water resources at risk. “Chile’s rivers are in danger,” says Mauricio Fierro, director of Geoaustral, a Puerto Montt-based environmental group opposing proposed dam projects on the Puelo River in northern Patagonia, and the Manso River, one of its tributaries. “The Italian state, owner of the majority of Endesa Chile, has water rights all over Chile given to them free by the Augusto... [Log in to read more]