What's going on with Ecuador's first large-scale solar power project?

QUITO, March 3 (Reuters) - Ecuador's government on Friday signed a deal with Spanish company Solarpack for the construction and operation of the country's first large-scale solar power project, with an estimated investment of nearly $145 million.

How much energy does Ecuador produce in 2022?

In 2022, Ecuador’s generation capacity was 8,864 MW, of which 5,425 MW (61 percent) corresponded to renewable energy and 3,438 MW (39 percent) to non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels derived from oil and natural gas).

What is Ecuador's largest hydropower plant?

CCS is the country’s largest hydropower plant by generation capacity. Ecuador’s state-owned electricity company CELEC imports electricity from neighboring Colombia, costing $400 million in 2022. It is also increasing diesel purchases from Petroecuador to power its thermal electric power plants.

How much power does Ecuador need a year?

Electricity demand grows by 200 MW every year, meaning Ecuador should add 250 MW or 300 MW of new power generation each year. However, Ecuador has added minimal additional generation in the last three years.

Will Ecuador have a power shortage in 2023?

Ecuador is experiencing power generation shortages in 2023, and analysts expect them to extend to 2024. The Energy Ministry and CELEC plan to issue tenders to add additional generation. Future projects under consideration include hydro, geothermal, wind, and biomass.

Does Petroecuador use diesel to power its thermal power plants?

It is also increasing diesel purchases from Petroecuador to power its thermal electric power plants. The 1500 MW Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower plant generated 7,202 GWh in 2022 (22 percent of the 33,008 GWh of gross electricity generation).