Advancing Argentina’s energy solutions with hydroelectricity

Los Caracoles Hydroelectric Facility

Western Argentina was faced with a problem, needing to produce enough energy to source the province of San Juan without continuing to exploit fossil fuels. In 2006, the country sought the development of the Los Caracoles Hydroelectric Facility, located 53 kilometers from the capital city of San Juan and within the western foothills of the Andes.

The primary purpose of Los Caracoles was to generate electricity, but the dam would also support 37,000 acres of irrigation to the area. Our team designed all the key project components, including a tunnel to divert the San Juan River, a concrete-faced rock-fill dam, the bottom discharge outlet and floodgate chamber, a surge-control spillway, and the powerhouse.

The resulting project would cost $385 millions and has the potential to produce 715 GWh of power per year—more than enough to meet the energy needs of San Juan. Los Caracoles provides employment opportunities, reduces the abuse of fossil fuels, and enhances the overall quality of life for local communities.