Hidrotoapi S.A. (Quito, Ecuador) is preparing tenders to be launched between October and November for a 246MW hydropower project in the Toachi and Pilaton rivers in the Pichincha province of Ecuador.

The Toachi-Pilaton project has a total planned power output of 246MW and will consist of the construction of two powerhouses; a 60m concrete dam; and two penstocks, one 4.5km long and the other 10km long.

The final technical design is under way. The project, which was initially designed to produce 226MW, has boosted its power capacity by 20MW. The smaller of the two powerhouses, named Sarapullo, will keep its planned 48MW design capacity, while the bigger, Arulliquin, now will produce 198MW.

Biddings for a turnkey contract are scheduled for October or November, and the contract is expected to be signed by January. Construction kick-off is planned for February, and it is expected to last about 48 months, with commission of the new facilities by February 2014.