Ecuador is embarking on an ambitious endeavour to transform its shrimp farming industry with a substantial investment of USD 282 million (EUR 264.9m) in grid enlargement and modernization. The Ministry of Energy and Mining announced this initiative, aimed at facilitating a transition from diesel to electricity among shrimp farmers across the nation.
State-owned entities CELEC and CNEL, responsible for power transmission and distribution, respectively, will oversee the implementation of this initiative. The investment will fund 194 projects spanning provinces such as El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Manabi, and Santa Elena.
Key components of the investment include increasing transmission capacity by 392 MW in substations, constructing 411 km (255.4 miles) of power lines, and reinforcing the distribution system to meet the shrimp sector’s demand of 324 MW.
By electrifying shrimp farms, the initiative seeks to improve service quality, modernize infrastructure, and expand public electricity networks in regions surrounding shrimp farms. Approximately 5,025 households without access to electricity are expected to benefit from these projects, with services also improving for 1,379 households.
The ministry emphasized the significance of the shrimp sector for Ecuador’s trade balance, highlighting the potential for a 30% increase in productivity with electrification. By transitioning from diesel to electricity and renewable energy sources, shrimp farmers anticipate better sales prospects abroad, aided by green seal certifications.
