Costa Rica’s largest power plant targeted for risk analysis

Studies are expected to begin shortly to assess the risk of Costa Rica’s largest power plant, the 306MW Reventazón hydro in Limón province.

In a direct selection process, state power company ICE hired Spanish firm Ingeniería de Presas (iPresas) for the 300-day contract, procurement information shows.

Reventazón began commercial operations in 2016 and last year generated 923GWh or nearly 8% of the electricity produced by the national grid.

ICE has highlighted that the operation of the dam’s spillway has been “abnormal,” and that despite work to address cracks, there still exists a high level of infiltration.

In 2017, an “unpredictable condition” was detected in the rock mass due to natural movements.

The state operator adds that the geology is complex and difficult to model, which requires the help of experienced international support.

ICE’s project pipeline includes the 55MW Fourth Cliff hydro, which would use water from Reventazón.

[insight#259774684]