The Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) announced on March 9 that the Alluriquín hydroelectric plant and the Toachi mini-plant have resumed operations following the completion of sediment removal at the Toachi dam, part of the Toachi Pilatón Hydroelectric Complex.
This marks the first time sediment has been cleared from the Toachi dam since it began operating. The process restored the reservoir’s useful volume, ensured continued operation of the hydroelectric complex, and reinforced energy security for Ecuador.
A technical committee was formed to oversee this activity, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), and CELEC EP. The methodology involved environmental and social monitoring before, during, and after operations, as well as gradual opening of gates to control water levels in the reservoir.
Technical staff from CELEC EP conducted 672 water quality measurements to assess conditions in the Toachi and Blanco rivers. These checks were aimed at ensuring compliance with established environmental standards. Drone inspections were also carried out to monitor conditions along a 3.2-kilometer stretch upstream from the dam in Praderas del Toachi. Images showed a reduction in accumulated sediment, allowing normal community movement across a local bridge.
During this period, Sarapullo power station remained fully operational, supplying electricity to Ecuador’s national grid. Scheduled maintenance was completed at other generation facilities within the complex. With these efforts finished and operational water levels restored, all plants in the Toachi Pilatón Hydroelectric Complex are now back online.
According to CELEC EP, these actions reflect an ongoing commitment by El Nuevo Ecuador’s government to safe, responsible, and sustainable management of strategic infrastructure for national energy security.
