The ring configuration design aims to increase operational reliability rather than eliminate outages entirely. Disruptions can still occur from external infrastructure damage or equipment failures unrelated to capacity. The timing follows August 2024 interruptions in Quito that affected traffic signals and highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities during the nationwide crisis triggered by drought conditions reducing hydroelectric generation.
The Peru interconnection received environmental clearance from ARCONEL for CELEC to proceed with construction of 284.85 kilometers of 500-kilovolt transmission lines. The route connects Chorrillos substation in Guayaquil with Pasaje in El Oro province before extending to the Peruvian border, crossing Guayas, El Oro and Azuay provinces. Infrastructure includes a 206.97-kilometer Chorrillos-Pasaje segment and a 77.88-kilometer Pasaje-Frontera section, both double-circuit configurations. A new Pasaje substation rated at 500/230 kilovolts will provide 600 MVA transformation capacity.
Financing combines national government resources through CELEC with loans from the Inter-American Development Bank and European Investment Bank. The ministry projects 2029 commissioning based on current sector planning. The cross-border capacity expansion provides Ecuador an additional supply backup mechanism to reduce system vulnerability during deficit scenarios while supporting productive sector growth. September 2024 marked the crisis peak when Ecuador implemented nationwide rolling blackouts exceeding 14 hours as reservoir levels dropped at hydroelectric facilities.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
