Prefeasibility Study For A 20 Mw Wind Farm In Azuay, Ecuador
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Abstract
This report assesses the technical, economic, social and legal aspects of implementing a 20 MW wind farm in Huascachaca and Yulug in Azuay province, Ecuador. The current electricity market in Ecuador is dominated by hydro and thermal generation. The CONELEC (2003) legislation guarantees a price of .10$ US/kWh for wind projects. The wind velocities at these two sites are favorable for implementing a wind farm as they exceed 7 m/s. Twelve scenarios were evaluated for hub heights at 50m, 60m and 70m. In all cases, the net present values were calculated and yielded positive results thus demonstrating a good financial performance given an initial investment of about $ US 20 million. Impacts during the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the project are minor and can be readily mitigated. Because these types of project have not been developed in Ecuador, it is important to create a strategy that addresses capacity building and government participation.