The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant achieved a record on November 24, reaching 1,440 MW. This was possible thanks to the availability of its 8 production units, which according to the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (Celec EP) is “a consequence of adequate operation and maintenance”, but also due to the existence of a sufficient amount of water in the river. Cock elbow.

Although Ecuador is currently going through a dry period, which creates significant electricity restrictions, at least this plant, which is the largest in Ecuador, is producing a large amount of energy.

Thus, according to data published on November 26 of this year by the Ecuadorian electricity operator (Cenace), Coca Codo participated in the production of hydroelectric power with 50%, that is, with 11,118 MW of the total of 22,025 MW of hydroelectric power.

However, the total hydropower is only 67% of the total production. 33% is thermal production. Total current generation was 32,793 MW as of November 26.

Coca Elbow Sinclair board Photo: Celec

The plant is embroiled in problems due to construction errors and thousands of cracks in distributors, and even a bribery scheme surrounding the awarding of a contract with the construction company Sinohydro.

On the other hand, returning to the issue of power outages, the Minister of Energy, Andrea Arrobo, reported on November 25 that there is a draft plan to combat power outages. To do this, they want to buy emergency generation, although the distributors had a plan to buy 465 MW for $160 million through a tender, which was declared invalid hours before the end of Guillermo Lasso’s term.

So far, although there were no cuts this Saturday and Sunday, restrictions will continue this week.