A few days before the end of the Government, Petroecuador started the process of importing natural gas, the aim of which was to combat the dry season that will last until March. However, it was indicated in the bases that the delivery deadline is 135 days from the signing of the contract. Nelson Jaramillo Pita, representative of Sycar, spoke to this newspaper about how this competition could be realized. He assures that it would be possible to bring imported gas in two months, but for the process to work, Celec must build a regasification plant. In this sense, the gas market expert advises that Petroecuador and Celec coordinate the processes. This also brings to the fore the need for the entire issue of logistics to be properly coordinated.

Petroecuador has announced a tender for the import of gas for the Machala thermogas plant. As an interested company, how sustainable do you see that process?

I am an interested company, but I am not a company invited to this process. We as Sycar are not qualified for international trade. We have authorization for the import and private transport of gas. Instead, Petroecuador invites global oil companies that are registered with them to supply Petroecuador with fuel.

But you were part of a list of three companies that were interested…

We have told Petroecuador that we are fully capable of supplying gas, even more if it is through isotanks. However, the legal requirements are for larger companies (large companies).

So the sustainability of the process is at risk?

The technical feasibility is one hundred percent possible to fulfill what Petroecuador is asking and what Celec is demanding. That is, it is possible to receive isotanks in Bajo Alto. However, it must be taken into account that this operation requires highly coordinated logistics. Arriving isotanks must be unloaded and immediately returned for refilling. All parties involved must act in a highly coordinated manner. Otherwise, costs may arise that may make the price unaffordable. Therefore, the logistical risk is high.

How will the isotanks arrive in Ecuador and is it necessary to build any special infrastructure?

Isotanks arrive by sea and are left through one of Ecuador’s ports. It could also arrive by a methane tanker that can be anchored in the Jambelí Channel so that the product is loaded onto a barge and from there arrives at a commercial port. However, in the future, the perfect scenario is to have a marine terminal with a direct connection to the mainland, through an underwater pipeline.

Is it necessary to build a regasification plant?

One hundred percent necessary. The point is that natural gas comes in a liquid state and at cryogenic temperatures and must return to ambient temperature and gaseous state. They must have a capacity to regasify 45 million cubic feet per day.

Who do you mean when you say they?

When I say them, I mean the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (Celec EP). It is about the fact that Celec, which is the user, will receive LNG, it will not receive regasified gas.

But Celec doesn’t have a regasification plant, right?

No, you don’t have one and you have to hire and build one. There is equipment in the inventory in the world. If they find a bidder who can deliver this gasification plant, it will be ready in three months. However, both must work simultaneously: if Petroecuador is going to contract the purchase of gas, Celec should also contract the regasification plant.

Yes, but they must also have funds and the fiscal treasury is under attack. How much can a regasification plant cost?

This is a logistical challenge. A regasification plant can cost around $10 to $15 million for the capacity they are looking for. But the passage of the 45 daily trucks needed to transport 45 million cubic feet must also be coordinated.

But then, how could Sycar get into this import program?

It could be in everything. The limiting issue here is a normative one. If Celec announces a tender for the construction of a regasification plant, we will be there.

If the regasification plant is still missing, has it been denied gas for this dry season?

It is not denied. If Petroecuador awards the contract in two months, it could have gas here, but it must have a regasification plant ready. The reality is that Petroecuador and Celec should plan everything related to gas imports together. This requires coordination between the two companies that must function.

In any case, you look positively on the import of gas.

This competition is the first sign of the importance that natural gas will have in the future. Above all, the dry season has taught us the lesson that there is an important need for heat production. There are other plants that also need gas: Enrique García, Álvaro Tinajero, this is just the beginning of the new energy matrix that has to happen. Natural gas must be part of the energy matrix. Then heavy transport and even domestic gas can come, which would reduce subsidies.