Hidrosierra
The project consists of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a 10MW run-of-river hydropower plant in Central Ecuador.
Amount
€ 5,240,160.00
Type of investment
Debt
Development impacts
- Access to basic services & goods
- Fight against climate change and preservation of natural resources
Beneficiary locations
Investment field
Infrastructure
Activity
Energy-Hydro
Organisation
Hidrosierra
Domicile
Hidrosierra is a standard run-of-the-river hydroelectric project similar to other projects operating in Ecuador. The main components of the project are a low-level (8meter high and 22 meter wide) diversion weir (over which excess water can flow freely), an intake structure with desander, a 2.7 km. low pressure steel pipe conveyance, a 300m high pressure penstock, a surface power station with 2 turbines, a (0.75 km) transmission line, and a power substation increasing voltage to 69Kv. Particular aspect is a 2.7 km tunnel structure for the low pressure pipe, a technical challenge which caused extensive delays but which has been completed successfully. Construction involved also 2 bridges which benefit to the local community.
Although hydropower electricity is proven technology, non-recourse long-term financing availability is (still) insufficient in Ecuador. With its long-term financing of hard currency, BIO contributes to the project’s viability. The additionality of BIO’s financing is evident, given the limited availability of long-term USD financing in Ecuador. Local banks and other private financing institutions are not in a position to provide the necessary amounts of hard currency financing on the required terms and conditions.
Development impacts
-
Access to basic services & goods
The project promotes the supply of stable and clean electricity (65GWh to be produced).
The equivalent theoretical number of people to be provided with electricity is 47,000.
-
Fight against climate change and preservation of natural resources
Reduction of the greenhouse effect through substitution of oil: estimated GHG avoidance of approximately 31,655 tonnes of CO2/year (calculation with the AFD Tool).
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