The Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) organized a seminar in Cuenca to mark 15 years of operation at the Mazar Hydroelectric Plant. The event, held at Teatro Pumapungo, brought together 230 participants, including professionals from the electric sector, university students, academics, and public officials.
Miguel Andrade, manager of CELEC SUR Business Unit, emphasized the plant’s significance for the national electrical system. “This seminar not only commemorates 15 years of operation of the Central Mazar, but also allows us to reflect, learn and project the future of electricity generation in the country from technical knowledge, innovation and joint work with academia,” he said.
The seminar included presentations on technical challenges, technological innovation, and best practices developed over the plant’s 15-year history. These discussions highlighted Mazar’s role in regulating the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and providing reliable clean energy for Ecuador.
Armando Bernal from CELEC SUR discussed safe and reliable operations at Paute–Mazar. Representatives from Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral presented on geo-electric applications in unstable areas of hydroelectric plants. Diego Capa Sarango from ESPOLTECH EP addressed using Sentinel-1 SAR interferometry combined with geological data to monitor surface deformations at Paute Integral.
A University of Azuay representative analyzed hydropower’s importance in Ecuador’s energy transition with a focus on Mazar. From CELEC SUR, engineer Paúl Peñafiel outlined progress on the Floating Photovoltaic Project at Mazar; engineer Jéssica Robles discussed integrated watershed management strategies for unstable zones. Javier Rojas from FONAPA spoke about shared governance as key to water security for the Paute River and stressed inter-institutional coordination for resource sustainability.
Alongside the seminar, an open house was held outside Teatro Pumapungo where various sector institutions showcased their services and projects to attendees and citizens.
According to CELEC EP, “In this way, the Government of New Ecuador, through CELEC EP, promotes not only responsible and sustainable energy generation but also strengthens academic development, research and knowledge-building—fundamental pillars for advancing toward Ecuador’s energy sovereignty.”
