Although it presents serious problems due to defects in construction, Bajo Alto gas liquefaction plant, located in the canton of El Guabo, in the province of El Oro, “will not close at this time.” This was stated for this paper by v Minister of Energy and Mining Fernando Santosafter word spread that the plant was closing in the coming weeks.

Santos pointed out that the factory is currently operating at an average of 55% of its normal capacity and that it has “very serious problems, due to structural deficiencies because the original foundation was faulty. The plant is sinking, and the equipment is out of balance,” he pointed out.

Uneven ground affects low gas production at the El Oro plant

The facility currently produces an average of 80 metric tons per day of liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to the minister.

This work started in November 2011; however, soon after, the first subsidences were discovered in various sectors, which Petroecuador warned about.

Santos indicated that the EP Petroecuador has committed to immediately comply with the remarks of the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources, in order to guarantee their security. “In 60 days, the Agency will carry out a new inspection of the plant to monitor compliance with the provisions that guarantee safe operation,” he said.

The minister pointed out that in case of eventual closure of the plant, which would be completely renovated, the supply of LNG to the users would not be threatened because there is another plant in the area that has excess capacity.

“The plant’s LNG users can be assured of constant supply as the gas liquefaction capacity of the two plants is sufficient to meet all needs,” he said.

In the afternoon of this Thursday, May 4, the Ministry of Energy and Mining announced in a press release that the plant will continue to operate and that it has 13 fire or flame detectors and 27 natural gas leak detectors that have been strategically placed. for issuing early warnings.