Cuerquia Hydropower Project
Project details
Project name: Cuerquia Hydropower Project
Project location: Department of Antioquia, on the San Andrés River, a right-bank tributary to the Cauca, Colombia
Installed capacity: 68 MW
Project owner: Energo-Pro Colombia
HSS Assessment
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
Assessment stage: Preparation
Assessment date: 11-15 May, 2026
HSS Assessment Report:
Public Consultation Form
Assessor team
Sustainability assessment overview
The Cuerquia project demonstrates a well-managed, limited footprint overall, with underground development of major components keeping surface disturbance to roughly 14 ha and a short 7.5 km bypass reach. The project optimises existing infrastructure by using the downstream Chorreritas project's intake and transmission line, and its ESIA/ESMP exceed standard practice in areas such as cumulative and climate impacts, backed by Energo-Pro's well-resourced management systems and strong corporate governance. Labour conditions show no gaps, and archaeological material is being appropriately managed with ICANH. Environmental impacts are minor, with some localised construction sediment and reduced dilution capacity in the bypass reach, both addressed through environmental flows and investments including closure of a nearby waste dump. Community impacts are limited to minor economic displacement, with significant, sustained benefits expected, building on the area's existing hydropower-driven development. Biodiversity effects are modest and offset through forest restoration. Opportunities remain to improve coordination of community investments, fiscal benefit visibility, and public health and safety analysis. The project also supports meaningful climate change mitigation.
The public consultation period on the Preliminary Assessment Report of the
Cuerquia Hydropower Project is open from 12 October to 10 December 2026.
Evidence of the distribution of the assessment report to provide comments is available in:
Learn more about Energo-Pro Colombia
