The Ecuadorian Ministry of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources (MERNNR) has received a single bid for its 14.8 MW solar PV and 40.9 MWh battery energy storage capacity (BESS) tender it launched in June 2020.
Gransolar, the initiator of this project, is the only company that submitted a technical bid, even though the ministry had shortlisted 5 bidders for the solar and storage tender. Gransolar was participating in the tender in a consortium with Total Eren of France with other shortlisted bidders being Canadian Solar, Voltalia, Scatec Solar & Energy Flex, and Woojin Industrial Systems (see Ecuador Solar & Storage Tender Gets 5 Bidders).
While Gransolar's technical offer was opened on March 5, 2021 for the Conolophus Photovoltaic Project in the Galapagos Islands, its economic offer will be held on April 26, 2021, and the winner will be announced on May 3, 2021.
The Conolophus Photovoltaic Project is important for these islands as the government aims to power the island of Santa Cruz with renewable energy displacing thermal generation here. "This public and transparent process responds to the policy of the National Government to promote the expansion of electricity generation from all areas of society, with the commitment of public and private companies," said Ecuadorian Minister of Energy René Ortiz.
The ministry had launched the tender at Gransolar's behest to be built for $45 million. Back then Gransolar was expected to use the tender as an opportunity to refine its original offer (see 14.8 MW Solar & Storage Tender In Ecuador).