Ecuador inaugurated the Minas San Francisco Hydroelectric Plant

After overcoming a series of obstacles, the country finally received the Minas San Francisco hydroelectric power station, located between the provinces of Azuay and El Oro. The inauguration of this work, built by the CELEC EP Electric Corporation of Ecuador, through the Unit of Enerjubones Business, was held this Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at the entrance to Casa de Máquinas. The event was held with the presence of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Renewable, Carlos Pérez, government authorities and the electricity sector and residents of the communities.

The National Government promoted the last stage of construction and putting into operation of this work, prioritizing the dialogue with contractors and inspectors, in order to resolve the delays that had arisen for approximately two years. In this period, several of the components of the works were optimized, which allowed guaranteeing the investment of all Ecuadorians.

In his speech, Minister Pérez stressed that, from the first day of his administration, he proposed to recover three sectors: the electric, hydrocarbon and mining sectors. He said that the Minas San Francisco Central is one of the hydroelectric plants recovered by this Government.

He recalled that a series of actions have been implemented for good management of the energy sector, which responds to processes of efficiency and transparency. He explained that among the achievements reached is to make transparent the situation of the Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Plant, which will allow the implementation of solutions for optimum generation. In addition, he stressed that a few days ago the hydroelectric power station Delsitanisagua was inaugurated.

Similarly, he noted that the Government of President Lenin Moreno offers to carry out major surgery against corruption, despite the attacks of interested sectors.

He also clarified that "the patrimony of the 17 million Ecuadorians will not be privatized or sold" and that "these resources of all citizens will be taken care of with technical efficiency".

William Bárcenes, manager of CELEC EP Enerjubones, indicated that the culmination of this work meant overcoming challenges from all areas of engineering, for which it was necessary to have the support of the communities in the area of influence and the staff of the Corporation.

Daniel Merchán, leader of the San Sebastián community, highlighted the social compensation works delivered during the construction of the Minas San Francisco Hydroelectric Power Plant; and, on behalf of the peasant communities, thanked the National Government for improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the area of influence.

Xavier Martínez, governor of the province of Azuay (s), said that the Government of President Lenin Moreno has placed emphasis on developing projects that maintain technical quality and fight corruption, as has been done to complete the construction of the Minas San Francisco Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Minas San Francisco is located on the slope of the Pacific, so it presents a hydrological complementarity with the power stations of the Amazonian slope; that is to say, when the other plants enter into low water, this would work at its maximum capacity.

With a capacity of 270 MW (megawatts) of installed nominal power, it contributes to the National Interconnected System with 1290 GWH (gigawatt hours per year). It began its operation as of November 1, 2018, as ordered by the National Electricity Operator, CENACE.

This Celec release was published using an automatic translation system.