Ecuador’s state power corporation Celec has issued an international call to structure the public selection process for the concession of the 596-MW Cardenillo hydro project on the Paute River.

BNamericas reported previously that Celec finalized a local search for the process after the sole participant did not fulfill minimum requirements.

The contract entails the preparation of a feasibility report that will look at legal, technical and financial aspects and take 180 days. A 184-day second phase would follow on approval from the energy ministry and involve the promotion and accompaniment of the public selection process.

Celec has budgeted US$4.99 million for the contract, offers for which are due Dec. 4, with awarding scheduled Feb. 23. Details are available here.

Celec’s power transmission unit Transelectric also has a consultancy call under way to advance development of the project’s transmission infrastructure. Transelectric information shows the “successful” negotiation of a contract with Consorcio Geosuelos Lutopsa and that awarding is pending.

Cardenillo would be the final project as part of the Paute hydro complex, which comprises the 170-MW Mazar, 1,100-MW Molino and 487-MW Sopladora plants that are operated by Celec Sur.

Construction would take six years and the concession would run 30 years. Ecuador’s power master plan envisions the plant online in 2026.

Celec also envisions transferring operation of Sopladora to the private sector.

Fuente: Hydro Review