Probe International - BECOL will build third hydroelectric dam

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BECOL, Belize's Canadian owned hydroelectric company, getting ready build another dam. new dam planned Vaca area on Macal River, about 6 miles Chalillo site.

According proposal, Vaca will feature dam face that's 200 feet high, storage reservoir will inundate about 150 acres forestland powerhouse which will produce 18 megawatts energy. That's more than twice what Chalillo which mainly water storage facility puts out, but still less than Mollejon which produces 25 megawatts.

As BECOL, envisions it, Vaca third final stage hydroelectric scheme on Macal River started mid 90's with Mollejon. According BECOL's Vice-President Operations Stephen Usher, project estimated cost around US$50 million. Though dam promises inundate very much smaller area than Chalillo, an environmental battle can still expected. Those who want judge themselves can see environmental impact assessment Fisheries Department Leo Bradley Library Belize City main public libraries Belmopan any town.

But not even Vaca, were completed, could have helped BEL last night 8:03 p.m. when bottom fell out national power grid. That happened because fault occurred on supply CFE Mexico, which caused entire national grid trip, resulting nationwide blackout. would 54 minutes before BEL managed restore power nationally, using diesel hydroelectric sources.