The government of Ecuador, through the Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP), began on March 25 the activation and testing of motors in bay number three at the Esmeraldas III thermoelectric project. This move is part of technical efforts to recover and bring available energy resources online for the country.
Officials say this process will not affect ongoing legal actions or diminish the state’s interests. The work aims to use existing infrastructure, check its performance, and strengthen the National Interconnected System with efficiency, transparency, and technical rigor.
An agreement between CELEC EP and contractor Austral Technical Management (ATM) covers intervention in generation units but does not mean acceptance of motor conditions or a waiver of state rights. According to CELEC EP, these procedures do not create extra obligations for public finances nor change any legal positions. As a result, both criminal court cases and arbitration processes against the supplier will continue as planned.
Since March 21, a team of 60 technicians from Termopichincha, Termoesmeraldas, and Electroguayas have been verifying and starting up motors at Esmeraldas III. So far eight out of sixteen motors are running, supplying ten megawatts (MW) to the grid. Officials expect that by March 31 all components will be checked so that thirty MW can be added to the system.
Testing takes place during peak demand hours from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., injecting power into Ecuador’s electrical system while following safety protocols that allow for immediate suspension if technical alerts arise. CELEC EP leads operations by providing fuel and other necessary supplies; ATM has provided two technicians only for unit access.
The government said these steps reaffirm its commitment “to make use of every available resource to ensure reliable electricity supply for the benefit of the country.”
