Chile court annuls construction permit for Endesa's $1.4 billion thermoelectric plant
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A Chilean appeals court has annulled the construction permit for the $1.4 billion Punta Alcalde thermoelectric plant.
The court said Thursday that the 740-megawatt plant planned by the European company Endesa for the north of Chile endangers the rights of those nearby "to live in an environment free from contamination."
A Chilean ministerial group had lifted a suspension of the project in December after an environmental commission blocked construction over potential air and water pollution.
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The appeals court's decision to side with marine conservation group Oceana and local fishermen is the latest blow against megaprojects in energy-strapped Chile.
Chile's environmental regulator blocked Barrick Gold Corp.'s $8.5 billion Pascua-Lama mine in May.
Last year, Chile's Supreme Court cited environmental questions in rejecting construction of Central Castilla, a $5 billion thermoelectric plant.