The construction of five controversial hydroelectric power plants, part of an energy project in Chile's Patagonia region, has been suspended pending further studies on their possible environmental impact. A meeting of various Chilean ministers late Thursday saw the project's construction pushed back for a review of complaints by environmental organizations. The groups fear the project will damage one of the planet's most pristine regions.

The HidroAysen energy project, a joint venture by Endesa and Colbun, is slated for the country's far south, in the isolated Aysen region of Patagonia. The project, which includes five dams on the Baker and Pascua Rivers, would flood some 5,900 hectares (14,580 acres) in the region. The project represents $3 billion in investments and obtained an environmental permit from the Chilean government in May 2011.

The new delay, however, could last more than eight moths, pushing a final decision on the project into the hands of president-elect Michelle Bachelet, who takes office on March 11.