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Analyzing two proposed dams on the Rio Baker, Chilean Patagonia

Gianna Leandro and Laura Mar, two Master of Engineering candidates in the Environmental and Water Quality Engineering track, are traveling through Chilean Patagonia in January 2009. The Dam Analyst Squad, composed of Leandro, Mar, Kristen Burrall, Elisabetta Natale, and Flavia Tauro, will be gathering information to conduct an assessment of the proposed hydropower dams on the Rio Baker.

Patagonia, the mountainous region in South America encompassing southern Chile and Argentina, is home to the Rio Baker. The proposed dams are expected to generate 20 percent of Santiago's current energy demand. While hydropower is often considered a renewable energy source, its creation is not without impact: environmental, sociopolitical and economic. The proposal of these dams is highly controversial throughout the country and a host of constituents (educational, political, non-profit and local) are actively participating in the debate. Among many factors, damming the Rio Baker has the potential to negatively impact the ecosystem, local communities, and tourism industry; yet also has the potential to positively impact energy security, Chilean jobs and flood control.

Each member of Patagonia Dam Analyst Squad will conduct one aspect of the study. The entire team will then conduct a comprehensive analysis, which will be completed in May.

Leandro and Mar are keeping a shared fieldwork blog during their time in Chile.

The Aysen Region of Chile (Courtesy Nation Master 2005) and the locations of the proposed dams (Pabich, 2008).