The Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) announced on April 22 that it has completed major maintenance work on Generation Unit 4 at the Paute Molino Hydroelectric Plant. The unit, which has a capacity of 105 megawatts, returned to commercial operation on April 20 after more than two decades of continuous service.
This maintenance is significant as it aims to ensure the reliability and efficiency of one of the country’s key power generation assets. The overhaul was carried out over a period of 47 days and involved comprehensive work on essential generator components.
According to CELEC EP, the technical team dismantled the rotor to access the stator, replaced bars and temperature sensors, rewedged the stator, maintained electrical connections, and substituted critical parts such as the turbine bearing heat exchanger. These efforts were designed to optimize performance, reduce operational risks, and secure long-term reliability in line with manufacturer recommendations.
The process included collaboration between technicians from CELEC SUR’s business unit, specialists from the Turbine Research and Repair Center (CIRT), and experts from VOITH—the equipment manufacturer—who worked together to meet project deadlines.
Paute Molino is described by CELEC EP as both the largest plant within the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and one of Ecuador’s main sources for electricity generation. With an installed capacity of 1,100 megawatts across its facilities, CELEC EP said it remains committed to maintaining its strategic infrastructure for sustainable energy production.
