The Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP), through its CELEC SUR business unit, organized a seminar titled “Experiences and Innovation in 15 Years of Operation of the Mazar Hydroelectric Plant” at the Pumapungo Theater in Cuenca. The event brought together 230 participants, including professionals from the electricity sector, university students, academics, and authorities to discuss technical aspects related to one of Ecuador’s key energy infrastructures.
Miguel Andrade, manager of CELEC SUR, emphasized the role of Mazar in the national electricity system. “This seminar not only commemorates 15 years of operation of the Central Mazar but also allows us to reflect, learn and project the future of electricity generation in the country from technical knowledge, innovation and joint work with academia,” he said during his remarks.
The program covered topics such as plant operations, technical challenges faced over 15 years, technological innovation, and best practices at Mazar. The facility is important for regulating the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and ensuring reliable clean energy for Ecuador.
Presentations included Armando Bernal from CELEC SUR discussing safe and reliable operations at Paute–Mazar; Paúl Carrión Mero and Joselyne Bárbara Solórzano Chauca from Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral sharing on geoelectrical applications in unstable areas at hydroelectric plants; Diego Capa Sarango from ESPOLTECH EP presenting on integrating Sentinel-1 SAR interferometry with geological data for surface deformation monitoring using Paute Integral as a case study.
A representative from Universidad del Azuay examined hydropower’s importance in Ecuador’s energy transition with a focus on Mazar. From CELEC SUR, engineer Paúl Peñafiel outlined progress on the Floating Photovoltaic Project at Mazar while engineer Jéssica Robles spoke about integrated watershed management strategies for unstable zones. Engineer Javier Rojas from FONAPA addressed shared governance to strengthen water security for the Paute River and highlighted inter-institutional coordination as essential for sustainable water resource management.
Alongside the seminar, an open house outside Pumapungo Theater allowed institutions to showcase their services and projects related to national energy development.
According to CELEC EP officials, these activities are part of efforts by Ecuador’s government to support responsible energy generation while promoting academic development and research as foundations for advancing national energy sovereignty.
