Electrical Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC EP)

The Electrical Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC EP) is a public service entity, defined as a strategic public service and dedicated to the generation and transmission of electricity across Ecuador. Operating under a strategic mandate, CELEC EP ensures that electricity is available throughout the country, adhering to essential principles such as accessibility, reliability, continuity, and quality.

CELEC EP’s main activities span various aspects of energy management, including generation, transmission, distribution, commercialisation, import, and export of electricity. These responsibilities include:

• Planning, installation, and maintenance of non-standardised systems in inaccessible regions.
• Trading energy with distribution companies, generation entities, and end consumers.
• Forming strategic alliances and partnerships to enhance service delivery.

One of CELEC EP’s largest projects, the Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Power Plant, boasts a capacity of 1,500 MW and uses the power of the Quijos and Salado rivers that form the Coca River. Completed in 2016, this plant contributes significantly to Ecuador’s energy generation capacity.

Since 2015, Coca Codo Sinclair has operated with a TETRA-based radio communication system, but the system’s ageing equipment required extensive maintenance due to operational wear. Manufactured in China, the system’s components lacked a local service provider capable of maintaining them effectively, as the original equipment did not have authorised representation in Ecuador or Latin America. Consequently, securing the specialised support needed for maintenance became unfeasible, resulting in operational malfunctions that threatened communication reliability across the plant.

To address these issues, CELEC EP implemented a new communication infrastructure featuring three DAMM BS422 base stations and 120 Sepura SC21 radio devices. This upgrade brought the Coca Codo Sinclair plant a robust communication system with enhanced security measures. Key features included:

• Enhanced security: From the outset, security policies and access controls were embedded in the system to prevent cyber threats and protect sensitive data.
• Thorough testing and evaluation: Rigorous pre-and post-implementation testing identified any potential security vulnerabilities, allowing them to be addressed proactively.
• Technical support and maintenance: Sepura’s experienced team provided agile, proactive support with ongoing monitoring and preventive maintenance to keep the system fully operational.

Sepura’s reputation for reliability and dedicated support was instrumental, offering CELEC EP a trusted partner with a tailored solution that met all technical specifications for Coca Codo Sinclair’s telecommunications needs.

The equipment upgrade has revitalised communication capabilities across Coca Codo Sinclair’s work fronts, with the added benefits of enhanced physical security and improved operational efficiency. Key outcomes included:

• Full communication coverage: Restoration of reliable communication across all areas, including capture fronts, compensating reservoirs, engine rooms, control buildings, camps, and internal roads.
• Advanced security features: New functionalities, such as emergency and help buttons, man down and fall detection, geo-fencing, communication recording, and system performance monitoring, directly benefit the safety and working conditions of onsite technicians.
• Enhanced system administration: Improved administration and monitoring capabilities allow Information and Communication Technology technicians to act proactively, ensuring efficient response to any arising issues.
• Scalability and local support: The new system supports future expansion, including SCADA system integration, and the presence of local support has reduced system failure rates, maintaining high operability through consistent maintenance and immediate assistance.

With Sepura’s advanced communication solution, CELEC EP has revitalised Coca Codo Sinclair’s operations, restoring reliable coverage and introducing enhanced safety and monitoring capabilities. This partnership has created a secure, scalable platform that not only meets current needs but also prepares the plant for future demands. By strengthening its communication infrastructure, CELEC EP reaffirms its commitment to delivering dependable energy across Ecuador, ensuring Coca Codo Sinclair remains a pillar of the nation’s energy landscape.