The project, which began a few months ago, involves constructing a small run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant, capable of generating an estimated 250 kilowatts of electric power per month, equivalent to the average monthly energy consumption of one thousand homes.
Mini run-of-the-river hydroelectric plants are small units used for the generation of electric energy (up to 20 megawatts). The energy is generated by using a flow of water that is diverted from its natural course via an inlet channel, and then harnessed to fall through a turbine, taking advantage of the water-level difference, hence generating electric energy. Afterwards, the same volume and quality of water that was deviated in the first place, is returned to its source ‒and the cycle continues.
In Viña Tarapacá’s case, the project has been carried out in collaboration with the Andes Energy company, which will be in charge of set-up and operation. The company, which is specialized in such projects, asserts that the winery’s conditions guarantee zero environmental impact and minimal civil work. This is thanks to the existing water rights, an irrigation channel and the area’s special conditions, which allows for easy installation of these plant types.
The project, which will begin trials in December, will mean approximately 50% of Viña Tarapacá’s electric consumption ‒under normal operating conditions‒ will come from renewable or “clean” energy.
Whatever energy generated by the mini-plant that is not used by the winery, will be injected into the national grid (Sistema Interconectado Central, SIC).
With this important project, Viña Tarapacá will contribute to the reduction of its operations’ carbon footprint, in line with VSPT Wine Group’s challenge of implementing 360 sustainable initiatives by 2015.
