New call for backup to Ecuador’s largest power plant

Ecuador’s state power corporation Celec has relaunched a tender to guarantee the operation of the country’s largest hydroelectric plant, the 1.5GW Coca Codo Sinclair (CCS) dam in the Amazon.

The US$1.81mn, 480-day contract entails conducting feasibility studies and drafting the definitive design to relocate water intake infrastructure on the Quijos river, as part of erosion mitigation plans.

The original call for bids was declared void after the sole participant was disqualified.

Initial alternatives envision a machine house that would hold two 35.6MW units or three 29.85MW units.

Offers are due by July 12 and a decision is expected by early August, according to procurement information.

This year through June 14, CCS accounted for 28% of hydropower production in Ecuador which represented 88% of total output in the period, information from national grid operator Cenace shows.

400MW GAS PROJECT

Meanwhile, the energy and mines ministry added Karpowership International to the list of prequalifiers in the public selection process for the concession of a 400MW natural gas-fired plant.

The decision followed a review of an appeal by Karpowership stating that it had submitted required information to the ministry.

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