The Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) announced on March 9 that the Alluriquín hydroelectric plant and the Toachi mini-plant have resumed operations following the completion of sediment removal at the Toachi dam, part of the Toachi Pilatón Hydroelectric Complex. The Sarapullo (49 megawatts), Alluriquín (204 megawatts), and Toachi mini-plant (1.4 megawatts) are now operational and supplying energy to Ecuador’s national electric system.
This marks the first time sediment has been removed from the Toachi dam since it began operating. The process restored the reservoir’s useful volume, ensured continued operation of the hydroelectric complex, and reinforced energy security for the country.
A Technical Interinstitutional Committee was formed for this activity, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO), and CELEC EP. The committee implemented a methodology involving environmental and social monitoring before, during, and after operations. This included gradually opening sluice gates to control water levels in a managed way.
Technical staff from CELEC EP conducted 672 water quality measurements to assess conditions in the Toachi and Blanco rivers, ensuring compliance with established environmental standards. Drone inspections were also carried out to check conditions along approximately 3.2 kilometers upstream from the dam in Praderas del Toachi, where a bridge is used by local residents. Images showed reduced sediment accumulation, allowing normal social activities and community connections.
During this period, Sarapullo remained fully operational, continuing to supply electricity while scheduled maintenance was completed at other plants in the complex. With these works finished and reservoir levels restored, all facilities within the Toachi Pilatón Hydroelectric Complex have returned to service.
The government said it remains committed through CELEC EP to safe, responsible, and sustainable operation of strategic infrastructure as part of efforts to support Ecuador’s energy security and development.
