ITUANGO
PROJECT DETAILS
Project name: Ituango Hydropower Project
Project location: Department of Antioquia, Colombia
Installed capacity: 2,400 MW
Project owner: Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM)
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS)
Assessment stage: Implementation
Assessment date: 31 October - 11 November 2022
ASSESSORS FOR THIS PROJECT
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
The assessment report reveals Ituango Hydropower’s investments in labour and working conditions and livelihood improvement. Notably, the project has actively supported the Nutabe community in obtaining official recognition as an Indigenous Community, contributing to improved livelihoods for the community members.
The independent assessors found evidence of a robust emergency preparedness and response plan that was put to the test during a contingency in 2018. Despite significant downstream flooding and infrastructure damage, it resulted in the safe evacuation of all community members.
The project's efforts towards conservation were evidenced in the report, for example, through its acquisition and restoration of more than 17,778 hectares of partially degraded tropical forest, as well as their aspiration to collaborate with Conservation International in establishing biodiversity corridors.
Overall, the Ituango project met and exceeded minimum requirements in all environmental, social and governance topics.
The public consultation period for the Assessment Report of Ituango ended on 21 August 2023.
