Mexican utility Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) will start operations of the 900-MW La Parota hydroelectric project in Guerrero state in 2021- three years later than previously planned, according to energy ministry Sener's recently released 2009-24 forecast.

Zambia plans to begin construction of a $1.5 billion hydro project next year, with the project's completion planned for 2017.

Companies interested in taking part in the auction for the 11,200-MW Belo Monte hydroelectric project must submit application documents by Jan. 29, Brazil’s Mines and Energy Ministry reported.

India and Bhutan are preparing plans for several Bhutan hydro projects that could begin construction in 2012.

Fort Chicago Energy Partners have entered into a purchase agreement to buy the 33 MW Northbrook hydro facility in New York, Fort Chicago announced.

Power company Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, Ltd. has decided to upgrade the generating capacity of a hydro project it is developing, the company reported.

A consortium led by Italy’s Impregilo was awarded the tender to build state-run Isagen’s Sogamoso hydroelectric project in Colombia, Impregilo reported.

China Hydroelectric Corporation plans to sell American depository shares in an initial public offering, with the intent to use proceeds to acquire hydroelectric assets in China.

The Andean Development Corporation approved a US$140 million loan to assist with development of state-run Isagen’s Sogamoso hydroelectric project in eastern Colombia, Business News Americas reported.

Brazil’s environmental department, Ibama, has granted authorization for construction to begin on a hydroelectric project on the Jari River in the Amazonian region, news reports state.

South Korea’s state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Georgia’s energy department to develop $1 billion in hydropower projects in the country, news agencies reported.

Hydro-Quebec is seeking to invest $23 billion in new hydroelectric projects and in expanding its existing fleet between 2009-2013, according to the utility’s strategic plan.

Bolivia will receive US$106 million in loans from the Inter-American Development Bank to finance the construction of the 80-MW Misicuni hydroelectric project.

Kenya says it wants to invest in new hydroelectric plants in neighboring Ethiopia to cover a domestic shortfall in power supplies, Kenya Electricity Generating Co. told Bloomberg.

BC Hydro announced a total of 47 British Columbia renewable energy projects, including 36 hydro projects, remain under consideration for power purchases under its 2008 Clean Power Call.