On March 9, 2026, the Ecuadorian government announced the launch of a bidding process for constructing a new natural gas power plant with a capacity of 400 megawatts (MW). This initiative, which was presented in Quito, attracted around 80 attendees, including representatives and investors from the private sector involved in the energy industry. The project aims to secure a contract for a combined cycle power plant, which is expected to harness natural gas and steam processing for energy generation.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy has stated that this power facility will be situated on Ecuador's coast and will entail the construction, operation, and maintenance of the generation infrastructure. The energy produced will come from a combination of natural gas combustion and steam utilization, highlighting a shift toward more modern energy generation methods. This development is part of Ecuador's broader strategy to enhance its energy production capabilities and meet growing demand.

Inés Manzano, the head of the ministry, announced that the project is projected to require an investment of approximately $833 million, which will be fully financed by the winning bidder at the conclusion of the selection process. This significant investment reflects the government's commitment to improving the national energy infrastructure, aiming for both increased reliability and efficiency in energy delivery across Ecuador, while also potentially attracting more private sector involvement in the energy market.