The Álvaro Tinajero thermoelectric plant in Guayaquil has resumed commercial operations, adding 30 megawatts (MW) to Ecuador’s electricity grid after being inactive for eight years. This development brings the total thermal generation capacity managed by the Electroguayas business unit to 617 MW, enhancing electricity supply from Guayaquil and Santa Elena.
The reopening of Álvaro Tinajero is part of a broader initiative led by the government through Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) under its Thermoelectric Park Recovery Plan. The project required an investment of approximately $6 million.
According to CELEC EP, “On March 5, 2025, the comprehensive recovery plan for Unit AT-2 began in coordination with the technical team from Electroguayas. On December 4, 2025, mechanical assembly of the turbine was completed.” The company added that testing started on December 13, 2025: “During this phase, the operation of the control system, turbine, starting unit, generator and auxiliary equipment was verified. Additionally, monitoring instruments were installed and technical staff received training. This allowed it to reach its nominal power of 30 MW.”
In 2025, CELEC EP restored a total of 250.1 MW across several projects. These included bringing Central Trinitaria back to full operation at 130 MW—after years limited to 85 MW due to technical restrictions—with an investment of $18.1 million recovering an additional 45 MW for the national system; returning Unit No.1 at Álvaro Tinajero (30 MW) to service after maintenance issues; and rehabilitating TG-3 at Central Aníbal Santos which reintroduced 18 MW following its shutdown since 2022.
Plans are underway for further recovery efforts in 2026 with a target of restoring another 154.46 MW. CELEC EP stated that these actions reflect “the commitment of the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure, ensure reliable electric service and advance modernization of the national electrical system.”
