Coca Codo Sinclair Dam, Hydroelectric power station in El Chaco, Ecuador
Coca Codo Sinclair is a hydroelectric facility on the Coca River in El Chaco Canton that generates electricity through eight Pelton turbines. The complex uses a vertical drop of roughly 2,000 feet (610 meters) between the intake and the turbine hall.
Planning for the project started in the 1970s, but construction only began in 2010 under the direction of Chinese company Sinohydro. The facility entered operation in 2016 and marked a turning point in the country's energy supply.
The dam represents Ecuador's commitment to energy independence, employing 8,000 workers during construction and transforming the local employment landscape in Napo Province.
The facility is located in a remote area of Napo Province, where access is limited by the rainforest terrain. Visitors should check entry conditions in advance, as industrial infrastructure is often not open to tourists.
Shortly after the facility began operating, erosion issues appeared in the riverbed, leading to technical adjustments. These changes have also affected the downstream landscape and continue to be monitored by researchers.
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