On October 11, 2014, with the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) allowed for boring, HEI-Contracted Ecuador Minas Hydro-Power Project held a TBM startup ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Vice President of Ecuador attend the ceremony and started the TBM through wireless remote control. The Owner of the project together with local citizens held an interactive celebration for the successful start-up of the TBM at the TBM square. Secretary of the Party, Vice Chairman Qu Aimin of HEI together with National Strategic Coordination Minister, Minister and Vice Minister of Power Ministry of Ecuador, the President of the project’s Owner and others attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Before the startup ceremony, the Vice President of Ecuador, accompanied by Mr. Qu Aimin paid a visit to TBM segment precast plant. At the TBM startup ceremony, the Vice President addressed a passionate speech saying that, he would like to ‘extend my gratitude to the workers and HEI on this project. Please applaud for them. People tell me that this company has always stuck to their construction schedule and additionally, HEI Corporation also provided hydro turbines, generators for the CCS project, who is supplying power equipment for some of the most important projects involved in the national power development strategy. I have also been told that the leaders of this company came here specially to supervise the execution of the project. For all of that, please accept our Ecuador’s warm welcome, we appreciate HEI for their commitment as contractor to making the best efforts to support the project. Water is life’s basis and energy resources are used for development. Minas Project is to transform the environment’s friendly water into energy. The power plant will continuously provide power for the whole area of Ecuador once beginning operation and will promote development of the local community. I know that the construction of this project is faced with a huge challenge, but what’s more important is that Ecuador will get enough renewable energy sources to optimize the current industrial pattern.’

TBM start-up ribbon-cutting ceremony and Vice President of Ecuador have evoked a strong repercussion among local society, major Medias have reported this event.