Termopichincha to negotiate with GES

Ecuadorian power generator Termopichincha is to enter into direct talks with Texas-based Global Energy Solutions (GES) regarding a concession for its waste-to-energy project in capital Quito, project engineer Juan Carlos Lopez told BNamericas. Lopez said Termopichincha officials would meet Friday (Mar.5) with their Quito municipal counterparts to decide the way ahead. "This week we are going to have a mechanism to treat the offer that was presented," he said. "We have to reply to the firm about how to start the negotiations," he added. Termopichincha and the Quito government are joint venture partners in the project. Five international companies submitted technical and economic offers for the concession on December 15 but direct negotiations have been opted for to save time. Talks with GES will begin next week for the concession that could last up to 40 years to build and operate a 25MW plant that would produce energy from 1,500t/d of solid waste. Quito municipality will supply the solid waste for the project that will require a minimum investment of US$70mn.