Ecuador 500kV Transmission Line Project – System A Section: Bare Conductor Supply
Project Overview:
Owner: Ecuador National Electric Power Company (CELEC EP)
Scope of Supply: ACAR Conductor
Project Milestone:
On May 19, 2017, the Ecuadorian government held a grand ceremony at the Chorrillos Substation site to celebrate the completion of the G system of the 500kV power transmission and transformation project, executed by HEI. The event was attended by Ecuador’s Vice President, Mr. Jorge Glas, who personally initiated the operation of the Chorrillos Substation, the 500kV transmission line in Section A9, and the 230kV transmission line in Section A11.
Distinguished Attendees:
The ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including:
Mr. Medardo Cadena, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy
Coordinating Minister of Strategic Sectors
General Manager of Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP)
General Manager of Ecuadorian Power Transmission and Transformation Corp.
Governor of Guayas Province (where the Chorrillos Substation is located)
HEI President, Mr. Qu Aimin
Thousands of local Ecuadorian citizens
Project Significance:
The Ecuadorian 500kV power transmission and transformation project marks the country’s first national 500kV major grid initiative. Spanning 900 kilometers across Ecuador, the project includes:
A 600-kilometer 500kV transmission line
A 300-kilometer 230kV transmission line
Four new 500kV substations
Two new 230kV substations
One extended 230kV substation
Four rebuilt 230kV substations
This project is pivotal in transmitting electricity generated by Ecuador’s largest hydropower plant, Coca Codo Sinclair, and the second-largest, SOPLADORA Hydropower Plant. Upon completion, it will significantly enhance Ecuador’s power transmission capacity and scale, transforming the nation from an electricity importer to an exporter. Additionally, during the peak construction period, HEI created 4,200 jobs monthly, contributing substantially to Ecuador’s economic growth and improving local livelihoods.
Remarks by Key Figures:
In his address, Vice President Jorge Glas reflected on Ecuador’s power development journey and emphasized the transformative impact of the 500kV project on the nation’s energy sector. He extended heartfelt gratitude to HEI’s project team on behalf of the Ecuadorian government.
During the event, HEI President Qu Aimin met with CELEC EP General Manager Mr. Luis Ruales Corrales, who expressed high satisfaction with the project’s quality. Mr. Corrales commended HEI’s exceptional contributions to the construction of the Chorrillos Substation and the transmission lines in Sections A9 and A11.
This project stands as a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Ecuador.
