After years of neglect, the government of President Noboa concludes repair of the Toachi – Alluriquín loading tunnel of the Toachi Pilatón hydroelectric project

The following is a machine translation of a Celec release

The repair work on the Toachi – Alluriquín loading tunnel, part of the Toachi Pilatón hydroelectric complex, has been completed. This was confirmed by the general manager of the Ecuadorian Electric Corporation – CELEC EP, Gustavo Sánchez, who inspected these works on behalf of the Army Corps of Engineers.

The inspection was carried out prior to the start of load tests on the 8.7 km tunnel, where new steel structures and concrete lining were installed. These actions were carried out in compliance with the observations of the State Comptroller General's Office, regarding unfinished works with the previous contractor of the civil works of the project. The work has remained abandoned since 2017 due to non-compliance and corruption.

During the tour, the general manager of this public company also supervised the powerhouse of the Alluriquín hydroelectric plant, the most important of the Toachi Pilatón complex, which will provide the country with 204 megawatts (MW). The experimental operation is expected to begin in December.

Currently, tests are being carried out to verify the operation of the electromechanical components and auxiliary systems associated with the discharge of the Alluriquín plant. The Toachi Pilatón complex is 98% complete and is located on the borders of Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and Cotopaxi. It is fed by the Pilatón and Toachi rivers, which are located on the western slope of the Andes mountain range, a key aspect, since it allows its electrical production to be used while the eastern slope is in a dry period.