Ecuador roundup: Emergency supply call, solar project design, hydro overhaul

Ecuador’s energy and mines ministry reported that 55 groups submitted 142 proposals to supply 788MW as part of actions to help cover demand during the country’s energy emergency.

Of the proposals, 133 fulfilled requirements, said the ministry, adding that the information will be used to draft the definitive reference terms for procurement.

Names of the companies that participated were not disclosed.

The capacity, an initial call for which was issued this month, entails the supply of five systems that will be owned by state power corporation Celec and two under temporary rental.

Solar project design

State power generator Elecaustro invited three companies to submit bids for the definitive design of the 20MW Huascachaca solar project.

The potential participants are Energycontrol, Help Energy Consultores and Intienergías Renovables.

Offers for the 180-day contract are due next month.

Hydro overhaul

And Celec launched bidding to dismantle the damaged turbine shaft of hydro plant Sopladora’s unit two and install and put into service the new shaft, which is due to arrive in October.

A seal failure damaged the shaft in July 2023 and repair work was completed in April. The unit, however, is operating at around 80% capacity, according to Celec. Sopladora boasts 487MW from three units.

Proposals for the 347-day, US$7mn contract are due September 24, procurement information shows.