- Ecuador tests its first 100-megawatt floating power plant, supplied by Karpowership, to address power cuts caused by drought and ageing infrastructure.
- The plant, anchored in Guayaquil, features dual-fuel engines and a high-voltage substation, allowing for quick installation and connection to the grid.
- Vice-Minister Rafael Quintero calls for diversification of energy sources and grid modernisation to ensure long-term stability and economic development.
Ecuador is trialling its first 100-megawatt floating power plant, supplied by Karpowership, to address its severe energy crisis. This crisis, worsened by a prolonged drought and ageing infrastructure, has led to frequent power cuts that impact the local economy.
The drought has drastically reduced dam water levels, exposing Ecuador’s overreliance on hydroelectric power. A floating power plant has been anchored in Guayaquil on the Guayas River to address this. This represents Ecuador’s first floating power plant; the test phase will last just two days. Officials aim to transition to the entire operation quickly, stabilise electricity production, and reduce power outages.
The Karpowership Khan-class unit can generate between 415 and 470 megawatts. The vessel measures about 300 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 50 meters in height. It anchors in shallow water, between 5 and 7 meters deep, allowing rapid installation. The plant features dual-fuel engines that run on low-sulfur fuel oil, natural gas, or liquefied natural gas (LNG). It also includes a high-voltage substation for direct grid connection, eliminating the need for additional land-based infrastructure.
Ecuador’s electricity grid has faced increasing pressure due to ageing infrastructure that cannot meet rising demand. Recent months have seen power cuts lasting up to 13 hours, and a major blackout in June exposed the grid’s fragility. Additionally, human error has caused further outages.
Vice-Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energies Rafael Quintero highlighted the urgent need to diversify energy sources and modernise the infrastructure. While the floating power plant offers a temporary solution, officials must upgrade the grid for long-term stability.
This floating power plant marks a significant step in Ecuador’s efforts to manage its energy crisis. However, it also prompts questions about the future of the country’s energy strategy. Ecuador may need to rethink its energy mix, potentially increasing the share of thermal energy sources or other alternatives to better handle the variability of hydroelectric power.
Ecuador’s situation reflects a broader trend in emerging markets, where flexibility and rapid deployment of energy technologies become crucial. As Ecuador stabilises its energy supply, officials must also plan long-term strategies to enhance grid reliability and economic competitiveness.
Authorities advise large industries and companies with power generation capabilities to reduce their reliance on the national grid. This measure aims to ease the load on the public power system and improve supply and demand management, helping to prevent further prolonged blackouts.
Ecuador’s energy crisis underscores the need for immediate action and long-term planning. The decisions made now will shape the stability of the power grid and the country’s future economic prospects.