The Esmeraldas I Thermal Power Plant has begun a scheduled preventive maintenance period that will last 15 days, starting March 5. The facility, which provides 125 megawatts (MW) to Ecuador’s national electric system, is undergoing work that cannot be completed while the plant is in normal operation.
The power station, which has been operating for 43 years, follows an annual maintenance schedule. Two maintenance periods are held each year: one in the first quarter lasting 15 days and another in the third quarter lasting 45 days.
This current maintenance cycle is expected to finish in the third week of March. Tasks include cleaning and repairing leaks in the boiler—where steam is generated by heating demineralized water with fuel—repairing fans in the cooling tower that remove heat from water, maintaining the regenerative air heater where combustion air is preheated using exhaust gases, and servicing auxiliary equipment.
All technical activities at Esmeraldas I are coordinated with the National Electricity Operator (CENACE), which manages measures so that other plants—including Manduriacu and those within the Toachi Pilatón Hydroelectric Complex—cover energy needs during this downtime.
Work will be carried out daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with support from a team of 110 technicians from the Termoesmeraldas Business Unit.
“The fulfillment of maintenance plans for generation units ensures that the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador, through CELEC EP, guarantees reliable and secure electricity service for Ecuadorians,” according to CELEC EP.
