Ecuador: CELEC EP studies potential wind projects in the Inter-Andean Alley

By Celec

This is a machine translation of the original press release issued in Spanish

The Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC EP) advances with the evaluation study of the wind potential in the Inter-Andean Alley, with the aim that, in the future, they can be translated into electricity generation projects that are incorporated into the Electricity Master Plan.

Technicians from the Expansion Planning Department and the Business Units of CELEC EP visited some sites in the province of Chimborazo to define the locations where meteorological towers will be installed to measure the wind resource, which will allow, in a short term, the design and bankability (seeking financing) of generation projects.

In this way, the installation of 10 new meteorological towers is planned for the certified and bankable measurement of the wind resource in provinces such as Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Imbabura. Currently, CELEC EP already has 22 towers in the provinces of Azuay, Loja, Pichincha, Manabí and Guayas.

The wind is an inexhaustible resource, which at constant speeds greater than five meters per second is considered as potential for electricity generation. The Andes Mountains have a great wind resource; however, it is necessary to harmonize future projects with environmental and social aspects, in addition to the technical field, such as the electrical infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of the energy that would be generated.

By delegation of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, CELEC EP also concluded the update of the hydroelectric potential and is advancing with the study of the photovoltaic potential. These studies contribute to the generation of new clean and renewable electricity generation projects, which will be incorporated into the Electricity Master Plan and are framed in the corporate vision, leading the energy transition through comprehensive energy solutions.