Private group targets Ecuador for 50MW solar project

The Ecuadoran city of Riobamba, capital of Chimborazo province, has been selected as a site for a 50MW solar project.

International Power Ventures (IPV), part of Grupo Ayucus, is behind the proposed photovoltaic park.

During a meeting with Riobamba’s mayor, city officials and other authorities, IPV director Alvaro Barrios highlighted the area’s global solar radiation potential of up to 140kWh/m2 and direct potential of 80kWh/m2.

Barrios said investment is estimated at US$44-52mn and that construction would take 12-14 months, and that IPV works with JA Solar, Huawei Technologies, and Arctech Solar.

The plant would dispatch production through a 3-5km line to state power transmission company Transelectric’s Riobamba substation. Another option would be to link with local power utility EERSA.

When asked about energy storage, Barrios said the project does not envision its use but may be adapted to incorporate the technology.

The mayor and other city officials, as well as EERSA’s head and that of Transelectric, among others, pledged their help for the project, which needs to fulfill administrative, legal and technical requirements.

The project’s development also would have to follow a public selection process.

A representative of state power corporation Celec recommended that environmental work begin as soon as possible, as permitting can take a year.

In a related note, Celec reported that its Gensur unit began engagement with residents in Nambacola, Loja province, for the 100MW Matala solar project.