Government signs concession of eight electrical projects to private companies

Two days after leaving power, President Guillermo Lasso led the signing of concession contracts for eight electricity projects on November 21, 2023, in the midst of the energy crisis that the country is going through.

Government signs concession of eight electrical projects to private companies

According to the Executive, these projects contemplate USD 700 million of private investment. The energy generated will enter the National Distribution System.

Despite criticism due to the lack of a contingency plan to face the low water level that affects hydroelectric plants, Lasso stated that the measures taken in the 30 months of his administration and the signing of agreements – in electrical matters – “reflect the “the government’s interest in strengthening the sector.”

The subscribed projects are:

• Conolophus Project, in Galapagos: Installed power of 40.9 MW. It has an investment of USD 63 million and will generate 100 new direct jobs.
• Intiyana Solar photovoltaic project, in Imbabura: Installed power of 60 MW. It has an investment of USD 59 million and will generate 200 to 250 direct jobs.
• Imbabura Solar photovoltaic project, in Imbabura: Installed power of 60 MW. It has an investment of USD 63 million and will generate 200 to 250 direct jobs.
• Ambi Solar photovoltaic project, in Imbabura: Installed power of 60 MW. It has an investment of USD 57 million and will generate 200 to 250 direct jobs.
• Urcuquí photovoltaic project, in Imbabura: Installed power of 60 MW. It has an investment of USD 57 million and will generate 200 to 250 direct jobs.
• San Jacinto hydroelectric project, in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas: Installed power of 49.9 MW. It has an investment of USD 82 million and will generate 90 direct jobs.
• Santa Rosa hydroelectric project, in Morona Santiago: Installed power 49.50 MW. It has an investment of USD 82 million and will generate 90 direct jobs.
• Rosario hydroelectric project, in Morona Santiago: Installed power of 49.50 MW. It has an investment of USD 115 million and will generate 90 direct jobs.

The processes were carried out under bidding and will increase the installed capacity and generation of renewable energy in the country.

In the case of the concession contract signed for the Conolophus project, in the Galapagos Islands (Baltra and Santa Cruz), the President indicated that the replacement of the use of fossil fuels will be achieved , benefiting 7 out of every 10 Galapagos residents.

The Minister of Energy and Mines, Fernando Santos, indicated that 50 years ago the electricity sector was a state monopoly. Over time, they invested in power plants and demand grew and now there is an imbalance. But with the signing of the concession of these new projects, the electricity supply is assured for several years, stated a statement from the Ministry of Communication.

The French firm NEOEN will be in charge of three solar projects in Imbabura: Intiyana Solar, Ambi Solar and Imbabura Solar. The company representative, Jean Michel Chauvet, indicated that the bidding began in 2021. The concession will last for 25 years; then the property will be transferred to the Ecuadorian State.

While the French ambassador in Quito, FrédéricDesagneaux, also participated in the event and said that his country will accompany Ecuador in its journey through the ecological transition, especially to generate clean energy and job creation.

https://www.primicias.ec/noticias/economia/gobierno-lasso-concesion-proyectos-electricos/