The Government of Ecuador, through the Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP), has completed the full restoration of Unit No. 1 at the Manduriacu hydroelectric plant, returning its total generation capacity to 65 megawatts (MW). The announcement was made on January 6, 2025.
Late in 2024, Unit No. 1 experienced an obstruction and collapse of the intake screens that filter floating debris and sediment carried by the Guayllabamba River. During this period, the plant continued to contribute to the National Interconnected System with its remaining operational unit.
CELEC EP, via its Coca Codo Sinclair Business Unit, led several technical efforts for recovery. These included studies; design and installation of new intake screens; non-destructive testing; coating of hydromechanical equipment sections; inspections of key components; and dredging accumulated sediment from the discharge channel.
In addition to these repairs, CELEC EP technicians used the scheduled outage to carry out programmed maintenance on both generating units after 8,000 hours of operation.
Manduriacu’s hydroelectric contribution is considered strategic for Ecuador’s national electricity system. As a renewable energy source, it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal generation. Its location also allows it to supplement power production during periods when water availability is lower in the Amazon region—where most major hydro plants are located—thus strengthening system security and sustainability.
According to CELEC EP: “The Corporation, in line with guidelines from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, reaffirms its commitment to work towards strengthening the national electricity system—a pillar of development that benefits all of Ecuador.”
