- Ecuador has solicited interested bidders to set up a 14.8 MW solar power plant in Galapagos Islands with 40.9 MWh energy storage capacity
- Conolophus project will help the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz to cover their energy demand with clean energy and lower dependence on diesel generated power
- Project is estimated to cost capital investment of $45 million and comes online in 2023
The Ministry of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources in Ecuador has issued a call for solar power developers for a 14.8 MW solar power plant along with 40.9 MWh energy storage capacity. Power generated by the project will cover a large part of the energy demand in the Galapagos Islands, specifically the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz.
The Conolophus project has been proposed by Spanish solar EPC company GranSolar to be built for an estimated $45 million of capital investment. Since GranSolar initiated the project idea it will have an opportunity to improve its earlier offer. The winner will enter into a power sale agreement with regional distribution companies.
The project winner will be announced in February 2021. Once it comes online in 2023, the power generated will cover 70% of Santa Cruz’ electricity demand.
The project will help these islands reduce their consumption of diesel for power generation while ensuring reliable electricity service and encourage private sector investment in clean energy. The ministry said this project is part of the Zero Fossil Fuels initiative for the Galapagos that’s designed to protect the Enchanted Islands, Natural Heritage of Humanity.
Interested companies will need to also construct a sectioning substation to connect the plant with the Baltra-Santa Cruz interconnection line, implement a second circuit of the 34.5 kV subtransmission line as well as a central control system for the Conolophus solar PV project.
Pre-qualification documents are available on the ministry’s website and can be submitted latest by August 3, 2020.
