The Ministry of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources in Ecuador has formally launched a tender for 900 MW power generation capacity, sought as 500 MW renewable energy and 400 MW as natural gas combined cycle block. There is a 3rd tender for a transmission project as well.
The 500 MW tender for non-conventional renewable energy will have this capacity located across various geographical regions of Ecuador. It is expected to be realized for an investment worth $875 million. Projects will be selected basis the lowest price offered.
Broad scope of work involves financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the capacity. Details about the call are available on the ministry's website.
The ministry had previously announced its plans to launch the 500 MW renewable energy tender in September 2021 with solar allotted 120 MW, wind 200 MW, hydroelectric 150 MW and biomass 30 MW (see Ecuador Unveils 500 MW RE Tender Plans).
Currently, Ecuador generates 92% of its energy through hydroelectric plants, 7% from thermal and 1% from non-conventional sources as solar PV, wind, biomass, biogas, geothermal and others. A self-sufficient electricity producer, Ecuador also exports electricity to its neighbors Colombia and Peru.
The country is encouraging renewables in the country to expand its electricity mix that will also lower pollution while adapting to the effects of climate change.