The Ecuadorian hydroelectric plants Coca Codo Sinclair, San Francisco and Agoyán, face significant threats to their operation due to the accumulation of sediments. The Coca Codo Sinclair plant, which has an eight-chamber sand trap designed to capture sediments larger than 25 millimeters , is seeing its efficiency compromised because water velocities now exceed 30 cm³/s, a volume that was not foreseen in the original design.
Structural and environmental challenges affect hydroelectric plants
Additionally, it was not taken into account that the work would affect the sediment levels in the Quijos and Salado rivers, located upstream. This omission has contributed to the current problem, where the accumulation of sediment threatens the functionality of the infrastructure . For its part, the Agoyán plant, which has been operating for almost 40 years, suffers similar challenges, given the age of its design and the changes in the conditions of the Pastaza River.
On the other hand, the situation at the San Francisco plant, located downstream of the Pastaza River, is equally critical and is affected when the Agoyán plant releases additional water and sediments. The continuation of these problems has led to a series of interruptions in energy production , raising serious concerns regarding the stability of the electricity supply in the country.
Strategies against sediment accumulation
Despite these challenges, the plants remain a crucial source of energy , representing 50% of national hydroelectric production, and it has been confirmed that there will be no electricity rationing this week.
In response to these challenges, experts in hydrology and water resources management are exploring innovative solutions to mitigate sediment accumulation. These include the modification of existing infrastructure and the development of advanced filtration and sand removal technologies, in order to adapt these plants to changing conditions and ensure their long-term operability.
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Source: eldiario
Photo: Shutterstock
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