ENERGY33, in a strategic collaboration with POWER SOLUTIONS N.V., has announced a partnership with ECUACORRIENTE S.A. (ECSA), a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC). Together, they will develop a 40.5 MW temporary power project to support the critical operations of the Mirador copper mine in Ecuador.
ENERGY33 to Develop 40.5 MW Ecuador power project
ENERGY33, alongside POWER SOLUTIONS N.V., will develop, finance, build, own, and operate a 40.5 MW power project in Tundayme, Ecuador. This initiative is designed to provide reliable, off-grid power to the Mirador copper mine, owned by ECSA, ensuring its substantial energy needs are met for the next two decades.
The project uniquely includes a 40 MW thermal plant and a 0.5 MW solar pilot. This hybrid approach addresses the immediate, high-demand energy needs of the mine while also exploring renewable integration. The solar pilot project, though modest in size, aligns with the country’s growing focus on Ecuador solar energy, which is seeing significant investment. As the nation approves larger projects like a 200 MW solar park, pilot programs like this are crucial for testing and integration. This initiative also reflects a growing interest in renewable power at all levels, from large-scale industry to community-led efforts like solar education projects.
The successful deployment of these panels relies on a sophisticated manufacturing process that transforms specific raw materials into efficient energy sources. Understanding the basics of manufacturing and the specialized manufacturing machines involved provides insight into the technology powering even small-scale pilots like this one. Furthermore, the plant cost breakdown for large-scale production shows the economic viability that is driving solar adoption globally.
The power project, located near the Mirador copper mine in the Zamora Chinchipe province, will be built in two phases. Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with commercial operations expected to start by late 2024.
Mirador Mine
The Mirador Mine is a large-scale open-pit mining complex in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province of Ecuador, owned by Ecuacorriente S.A. (ECSA) and operated by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC). The mine, which is the first large-scale mine in Ecuador and one of the largest copper mines in South America, began production in 2019 and is expected to produce copper for at least 30 years. The immense scale of the Mirador operation necessitates a dedicated and highly reliable power source to maintain productivity and safety, which this new project aims to provide.
ENERGY33
ENERGY33 is an international energy infrastructure developer based in Miami, Florida, USA. The company specializes in delivering customized energy solutions to help its clients achieve strategic goals. It focuses on developing projects for both on-grid and off-grid electricity and energy needs, catering to complex industrial requirements worldwide.
ECUACORRIENTE S.A. (ECSA)
Ecuacorriente S.A. (ECSA) is a prominent mining company operating the Mirador copper mine in Ecuador. ECSA is owned by the Chinese consortium CRCC-Tongguan Investment, which includes China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) and Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group. The company is responsible for the exploration, extraction, and processing of copper ore at the Mirador mine and plays a significant role in developing Ecuador’s mining sector into a key economic driver.
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