The Ecuadorian Electric Corporation (CELEC EP) has added 20 megawatts (MW) of firm energy to the national electricity system following the commercial operation of Unit TM4 at the Termogas Machala power plant. The facility, located in Bajo Alto in El Guabo canton, El Oro province, now operates using natural gas or diesel.
This addition became possible after a full rehabilitation of the gas generator and low-pressure turbine, which had been out of service since February 2020 due to damage to the lubrication system. To expedite repairs, CELEC sent the equipment to a specialized workshop in Ludwigsfelde, Germany for major maintenance and complete refurbishment. After passing factory tests and returning to Ecuador at the end of December 2025, the generator was reinstalled and brought back online in Unit TM4.
The recovery is part of an initiative driven by President Daniel Noboa’s directive to accelerate the restoration of unavailable units. The operational milestone marks nearly six years since this equipment was last active.
According to CELEC EP, “this milestone represents the effective recovery of equipment that had been out of service for almost six years. It is also the result of rigorous technical planning and coordination between CELEC EP personnel and specialized workshops.”
With this step, CELEC EP aims to strengthen its contribution of firm energy to Ecuador’s national grid and reiterates its commitment to energy security in the country.
