Call to structure 2.4GW Ecuador hydro project falls through

Ecuador’s state power corporation Celec has declared void the international tender to structure the public selection process for the concession of the 2,400MW Santiago hydro project.

BNamericas previously reported that Mancera EY México was the top bidder for the contract, a call for which was issued in December.

The tender was canceled because it was considered “inconvenient” for national or institutional interests, according to procurement information.

“The public contracting process … presents a number of technical, economic and legal observations, in its preparatory and pre-contractual phases, which shows defects in its procedure.”

Information on if or when a new call for offers would be issued was not disclosed.

Celec budgeted US$6.72mn for the consultancy work which entailed the preparation of a feasibility report within 180 days.

A 360-day second phase would follow on approval from the energy ministry and involve the promotion and accompaniment of the public selection process.

Also read Ecuador to promote PPPs for US$1.5bn in new hydropower