Termopichincha begins call for tenders

Ecuadorian power generator Termopichincha has begun receiving expressions of interest for a waste-to-energy project in capital Quito, project engineer Juan Carlos Lopez told BNamericas. "So far three companies have signed up, and another 15 are expected to in the coming days," he said. Offers will be received until October 29, he added. The winning bidder will establish a joint-venture with state-owned Termopichincha to build an operate a plant designed to produce energy from solid waste. Depending on the eventual scope of the project, the concession could last up to 40 years and will require a minimum investment of US$70mn. While the final plant specifications are still being drawn up by US-based Kema Consulting, one estimate has called for a 25MW plant that would use 1,500t/d of waste.