Ecuador advancing wind build-out with new project

Preliminary socioenvironmental studies are scheduled to begin this year for a new wind power generation project in Ecuador. 

In a direct hiring process, state power corporation Celec’s Sur business unit has invited consultancy Ingeass to carry out the work for the 100-140MW Pimo project in Azuay province. 

Celec previously highlighted that average wind speed in the area was 12m/s. 

Ingeass has until May 5 to submit an offer for the 90-day contract, with a decision expected later that month. 

The country's current wind power comes from Villonaco (16.5MW, pictured), and the El Tropezón (2.40MW) and Baltra (2.25MW) plants, the latter two on the Galápagos islands. 

In the near term, Ecuador will add new wind capacity from the 110MW Villonaco II and III, and the 50MW Minas de Huascachaca projects. 

The government has also tabled a potential call for a 200MW block from non-conventional renewable energies, and the roadmap of president-elect Guillermo Lasso - who takes office May 24 - envisions a greater contribution from these technologies.

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