Salcca-Pucara hydroelectric project

Salcca-Pucara hydroelectric project is a hydropower project in Peru. The project envisages transferring water from the Río Salcca into the Vilcanota River[1] and an electrical power output of 130 megawatt. The net worth of the project planned is $300,000,000.[2] The start of construction work was planned to occur in September 2015.[3]

Concerns have been raised that electricity from the plant will primarily benefit mining companies and will result in soil contamination[2] and damage to agriculture, as river flows will be altered.[1] There has been opposition, including strikes in 2007[2] and protests in the two following years[3] which resulted in a temporary suspension of the project.[1] Nevertheless, after negotiations in December 2012 the last community whose permission was outstanding approved the project of the Cuzco-based company Ege Cuzco.[2] Opposition nevertheless continued, with a 2014 report of the ombudsman of Peru indicating the possibility of social conflict.[3]