Ecuador planning new renewable energy call, potential for 1GW

Ecuador’s government plans to launch a renewable energy process amid calls for the country to take further action to diversify the energy matrix away from hydropower.

During a local radio interview, power and renewable energy deputy minister Rafael Quintero said preparation was underway for a second block of non-conventional renewable energies.

“We expect them [the projects] to total no less than 1,000MW,” said the official, who did not provide a date for the possible launch.

A first block for 500MW was launched in 2021 and contracts were awarded a year ago to groups from Ecuador, France, Mexico and Spain.

Meanwhile, the construction go-ahead for the 110MW Villonaco III wind farm is expected in the coming weeks, according to Quintero.

Last year, the energy and mines ministry and the Cobra Zero-E Villonaco (Villonaco Energy) consortium signed a 25-year concession for Villonaco, which was offered as a standalone project.