2024-04-28 08:45:13
Colombia cut off all electrical interconnection with Ecuador in the midst of a critical energy situation for both countries due to the drought of its reservoirs, which in Ecuadorian territory has led to scheduled blackouts of up to thirteen hours a day for two weeks.
This information was announced by the interim Minister of Energy and Mines of Ecuador, Roberto Luque, through a press conference, who indicated that the operators of the national electrical systems of both countries are in talks at a technical level to evaluate an eventual reconnection “as soon as possible”.
It is important to highlight that although Colombia had already suspended the export of electricity to Ecuador. By not having surpluses and having its entire generation focused on supplying national demand. The Minister explained that currently the Colombian authorities have disconnected their electrical system from that of Ecuador.
In that sense, after having spoken with his Colombian counterpart, Andrés Camacho, the Ecuadorian minister explained that Colombia cut the interconnection because. Despite the shipment of energy being suspended, the electrical systems absorb some energy from the other country through these high voltage lines.
You can read: “Writing for children is beautiful, you discover how human you can be”
“As they have a larger network, we tend to suck more energy with these cuts.” Said Luque, who pointed out that this situation occurs especially when the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant is out of operation. The one with the greatest power in the country with 1,500 megawatts, which in recent days had precautionary stops due to excess sediment in its catchment area.
«No one was passing electricity. Neither from Ecuador to Colombia nor from Colombia to Ecuador. It is more of an issue of signal stability or frequency, it is in our best interest to be connected. Said the minister, who specified that the intention is to resolve the matter amicably.
Since April 14, electricity cuts began to occur for several hours a day, the hours of which vary depending on the area and sectors.
The main cause of the crisis is the drought of the Mazar reservoir, the second largest in the country, with a capacity of 410 million cubic meters of water. Where along the Paute River basin a complex of three hydroelectric plants are operated. Which allow the generation of up to 1,757 megawatts and meet around a third of the national electricity demand.
You may be interested in: Professor Ramón Majé: Among the 9 best teachers in the world