The Ivirizu Hydroelectric Project reaches a new milestone in the safety of the Sehuencas Dam

This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system

Ende

The Ivirizu Hydroelectric Project (PHI) provisionally received, from the company Sinohydro Corporation Limited, the “provision and installation of the geomembrane of the Sehuencas Dam”. These works are part of the construction of civil works intended to reinforce the safety conditions of the structure.

The “Provisional Acceptance” ceremony was held on May 14, after a rigorous technical inspection carried out by the acceptance committee for this work front, in compliance with Contract No. 2284 corresponding to the “Construction of the civil works necessary for the completion of the Sehuencas dam”.

The head of Oversight for Group 1, Cristian Adolfo Siles Torres, indicated that the geomembrane is a fundamental technical element within the hydraulic configuration of the dam. “The impermeable geomembrane will make it possible to significantly reduce possible leaks and will provide additional protection against deformations or differential settlements that may occur in the blocks that make up the body of the dam,” he explained.

The commission was made up of professionals from the supervision of the works, from ENDE Servicios y Construcciones S.A., from the contractor company Sinohydro, and from personnel of the Ivirizu Hydroelectric Project of ENDE Valle Hermoso S.A., a subsidiary of ENDE Corporación.

During the technical inspection, the surface preparation, installation, anchoring, and thermal fusion of the geomembrane were verified, as well as the quality control of the welded joints. The objective was to ensure hydraulic continuity and the proper performance of the impermeable system.

The provisional acceptance concluded with minor observations that must be remedied within a period of 120 calendar days. However, this progress represents a significant milestone for the safety and reliability of the Sehuencas dam and demonstrates compliance with the technical standards and quality control applied in large-scale hydraulic works.

Importance of the geomembrane

The incorporation of the geomembrane is part of the technical adaptations implemented at the Sehuencas Dam to optimize its hydraulic performance and reduce seepage losses. This system acts as a continuous impermeable barrier installed on the upstream face of the dam, helping to improve the watertightness of the reservoir.

Among its main technical benefits, the following stand out:

•             Leakage control: reduces the uncontrolled flow of water through joints, cracks, or structural discontinuities.

•             Improvement of hydraulic safety: reduces risks associated with internal erosion or increases in pore pressures.

•             Greater operational efficiency of the reservoir: it allows the required levels for hydroelectric operation to be maintained.

•             Increased service life of the infrastructure: protects surfaces exposed to the permanent flow of water.

The PHI is one of the most important hydroelectric projects in the country and will strengthen renewable energy generation for the National Interconnected System (SIN), harnessing the water potential of the Ivirizu river basin.