Enel Chile starts commercial operation of Los Cóndores Hydroelectric Power Plant

• This new power plant has a net capacity of 153 MW and was developed using technology specifically designed for its construction. One notable feature is the unique tunnel boring machine used to address the various geological challenges posed by the terrain present at the plant's location.
• Central Los Cóndores will begin commercial operations after complying with all tests required by the National Electric Coordinator, ensuring its safe operation, and injecting 100% renewable energy into the system.

San Clemente, March 11, 2025—Enel Chile, through its subsidiary Enel Generación Chile, undertook special projects focused on minimizing environmental impact, particularly by developing underground works for the construction of the Los Cóndores Hydroelectric Power Plant. This plant, with a net installed capacity of 153 MW, is situated in the high mountain range of the Maule Region. It has commenced commercial operations, supplying 100% clean energy to the National Electric System.

"This milestone allows us to close an important cycle. We have built a modern hydroelectric power plant that was implemented using state-of-the-art technology specifically designed for its construction. Today, we celebrate this achievement and, above all, the commitment of our company and its collaborators to continue contributing to the well-being and energy stability of the country," said Giuseppe Turchiarelli, general manager of Enel Chile.

"We are proud to celebrate the start of commercial operations for this new generation unit. This development allows us to contribute significantly to the advancement of a national energy matrix focused on renewable resources. It also demonstrates our ability to overcome the various construction and engineering challenges posed by the territory where the unit is located. This success is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all the teams involved in its development and construction," said María Galainena De Carlos, general manager of Enel Generación Chile.

The construction of Los Cóndores was executed using specialized machinery, including a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and a Raise Boring Machine (RBM). These machines enabled the engineering and construction teams to navigate the various geological challenges presented by the terrain successfully. Specifically, they were responsible for drilling 12 kilometers of rock to create the adduction tunnel and 500 meters for the vertical shaft.

Los Cóndores will be powered by two Pelton-type turbines located in the machine cavern of this new run-of-river hydroelectric power plant operated by the Enel Group in Chile. These turbines can manage a maximum flow rate of 25 m³/s, generating approximately 350 GWh of renewable energy annually. This energy will be fed into the National Electric System, helping to avoid the emission of 70,721 tons of CO2.