Milestone-Proposal:Loja Hydroelectric Plant, 1899
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Docket #:2025-02
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To the proposer’s knowledge, is this achievement subject to litigation? No
Is the achievement you are proposing more than 25 years old? Yes
Is the achievement you are proposing within IEEE’s designated fields as defined by IEEE Bylaw I-104.11, namely: Engineering, Computer Sciences and Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Biological and Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Technical Communications, Education, Management, and Law and Policy. Yes
Did the achievement provide a meaningful benefit for humanity? Yes
Was it of at least regional importance? Yes
Has an IEEE Organizational Unit agreed to pay for the milestone plaque(s)? Yes
Has the IEEE Section(s) in which the plaque(s) will be located agreed to arrange the dedication ceremony? Yes
Has the IEEE Section in which the milestone is located agreed to take responsibility for the plaque after it is dedicated? Yes
Has the owner of the site agreed to have it designated as an IEEE Milestone? Yes
Year or range of years in which the achievement occurred:
1899
Title of the proposed milestone:
Loja Hydroelectric Plant, 1899
Plaque citation summarizing the achievement and its significance; if personal name(s) are included, such name(s) must follow the achievement itself in the citation wording: Text absolutely limited by plaque dimensions to 70 words; 60 is preferable for aesthetic reasons.
The Loja Hydroelectric Plant was the first in Ecuador and a pioneer in South America for utilizing renewable energy from water resources. Built by Alberto Rhor and supported by local entrepreneurs, it supplied electricity for public lighting and industry, transforming Loja into a center of innovation. This milestone marked the beginning of Ecuador's electrification, contributing to the region’s urban and industrial development.
200-250 word abstract describing the significance of the technical achievement being proposed, the person(s) involved, historical context, humanitarian and social impact, as well as any possible controversies the advocate might need to review.
The inauguration of the Loja Hydroelectric Plant in 1899 marked a historic milestone as Ecuador's first commercial hydroelectric facility. Unlike other South American countries where electricity was introduced earlier and centered around political or economic hubs, Loja—a small city in southern Ecuador—became the unlikely pioneer of electrification in the country. The project was spearheaded by Alberto Rhor, a French engineer, and supported by visionary Loja residents, José Miguel Burneo and Ramón Eguiguren. They founded the Electric Light Society in 1897, securing the financial and logistical resources needed to undertake the project.
Harnessing the renewable hydropower potential of the Malacatos River, the plant provided public lighting, powered industrial machines such as grain mills and sawmills, and improved the quality of life in Loja. The use of innovative Pelton turbines and imported Sautter Harlé dynamos exemplified cutting-edge technology for the time. This achievement demonstrated Ecuador's early commitment to sustainable energy.
The plant’s success catalyzed further hydroelectric developments across the nation, despite initial logistical challenges such as transporting equipment by mule through mountainous terrain. It also fostered urban expansion in Loja, reinforcing its strategic importance in Ecuador's industrial and social development.
Although no major controversies are reported, advocates may review the socio-economic exclusivity of early electrification, as initial beneficiaries were limited to society members and key institutions. The plant remains a testament to engineering ingenuity and regional ambition, showcasing the transformative power of renewable energy in Latin America.
IEEE technical societies and technical councils within whose fields of interest the Milestone proposal resides.
IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES)
In what IEEE section(s) does it reside?
Ecuador
IEEE Organizational Unit(s) which have agreed to sponsor the Milestone:
IEEE Organizational Unit(s) paying for milestone plaque(s):
Unit: IEEE Ecuador Section
Senior Officer Name: David Rivas
IEEE Organizational Unit(s) arranging the dedication ceremony:
Unit: IEEE Ecuador Section
Senior Officer Name: David Rivas
IEEE section(s) monitoring the plaque(s):
IEEE Section: IEEE Ecuador Section
IEEE Section Chair name: David Rivas
Milestone proposer(s):
Proposer name: Ronny Cabrera
Proposer email: Proposer's email masked to public
Please note: your email address and contact information will be masked on the website for privacy reasons. Only IEEE History Center Staff will be able to view the email address.
Street address(es) and GPS coordinates in decimal form of the intended milestone plaque site(s):
Location: Monument to the first power plant in Ecuador, Loja, Ecuador.
Coordinates: -3.996636, -79.206855
Describe briefly the intended site(s) of the milestone plaque(s). The intended site(s) must have a direct connection with the achievement (e.g. where developed, invented, tested, demonstrated, installed, or operated, etc.). A museum where a device or example of the technology is displayed, or the university where the inventor studied, are not, in themselves, sufficient connection for a milestone plaque.
Please give the address(es) of the plaque site(s) (GPS coordinates if you have them). Also please give the details of the mounting, i.e. on the outside of the building, in the ground floor entrance hall, on a plinth on the grounds, etc. If visitors to the plaque site will need to go through security, or make an appointment, please give the contact information visitors will need. The intended site for the milestone plaque is the monument located at the historical site where Ecuador's first hydroelectric plant, the Loja Hydroelectric Plant, began operations in 1899. This location holds direct significance as it marks the exact spot where the plant was constructed and operated, representing the birthplace of electricity generation in Ecuador. The site preserves original components of the plant, connecting it authentically to the achievement being commemorated.
Are the original buildings extant?
No, the original buildings are no longer extant. However, the monument at the site preserves turbines and pipelines used in Ecuador's first hydroelectric plant. Additionally, at the building of the Empresa Eléctrica Regional del Sur, original components such as dynamos, Pelton wheels, voltmeters, and other accessories from the plant are exhibited.
Details of the plaque mounting:
The plaque will be mounted on the monument constructed at the site, next to the turbine, where other commemorative plaques have also been placed.
How is the site protected/secured, and in what ways is it accessible to the public?
The site is a public location, accessible to everyone without the need for prior appointments. As a public space, it is safeguarded by the city police to ensure its protection.
Who is the present owner of the site(s)?
The Municipality of Loja
What is the historical significance of the work (its technological, scientific, or social importance)? If personal names are included in citation, include detailed support at the end of this section preceded by "Justification for Inclusion of Name(s)". (see section 6 of Milestone Guidelines)
The Loja Hydroelectric Plant, inaugurated in 1899, marks a pivotal moment in Ecuador's history as the country's first commercial hydroelectric plant. Its construction symbolized the introduction of electricity in Ecuador, making Loja the first city in the nation to implement electric lighting. Technologically, it showcased the innovative use of renewable hydropower at a time when most neighboring countries relied on non-renewable energy sources like steam engines. This milestone not only highlighted the potential of Ecuador's abundant water resources but also served as a catalyst for subsequent electrification efforts across the country.
The social and economic impact was profound. The plant improved the quality of life in Loja by enabling public and private electric lighting, enhancing productivity, and supporting industrial activities like grain milling and woodworking. The project demonstrated the vision of Alberto Rhor, a French engineer, and the determination of Loja’s local leaders, including José Miguel Burneo and Ramón Eguiguren, who spearheaded its implementation through the Sociedad Luz Eléctrica. Their collaborative efforts established a model for private and public investment in infrastructure.
This achievement underscored the transformative power of electricity in fostering urban growth and modernization, making the Loja Hydroelectric Plant a cornerstone of Ecuador’s technological and social development. Its legacy continues to inspire innovation and regional progress.
What obstacles (technical, political, geographic) needed to be overcome?
The development of the Loja Hydroelectric Plant in 1899 faced numerous obstacles spanning technical, geographic, and financial domains. One of the primary challenges was the transportation of machinery and equipment from Europe. The equipment, including two dynamos manufactured in France, had to be shipped to the Peruvian port of Paita, dismantled, and transported overland on muleback through challenging Andean terrain to reach Loja. This logistical feat required meticulous planning and significant effort given the lack of modern transportation infrastructure.
From a financial perspective, the project relied on significant private investment, spearheaded by local entrepreneurs and facilitated by the Sociedad Luz Eléctrica. The initial capital of 16,000 sucres (equivalent to approximately 1,600 USD at the time) was raised through contributions from local investors, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to a shared vision despite the economic limitations of a small city like Loja.
Geographically, the plant's location required innovative engineering to harness the hydropower potential of the Malacatos River. A 2.5-kilometer canal was constructed to direct water to a storage tank and through metal pipes to the turbines. The uneven terrain and the precision needed for the water flow posed considerable technical challenges, which were addressed through the expertise of the French engineer Alberto Rhor and local collaborators.
These obstacles highlight the ingenuity, resilience, and collaborative spirit that made Ecuador's first hydroelectric plant a reality.
What features set this work apart from similar achievements?
The work on the first hydroelectric power plant in Ecuador is distinguished by several notable features:
1. Location in a smaller city: Unlike the first power plants in other South American countries, which were typically established in major urban centers or political and economic hubs, the first power plant in Ecuador was inaugurated in Loja, a smaller city. This highlights the importance of electrification in regions outside of major urban areas, showcasing a more inclusive approach to energy access .
2. Use of renewable energy: The Loja power plant utilized renewable energy sources, specifically harnessing the water resources of the Malacatos River. This contrasts with many other countries at the time, which relied on non-renewable sources and steam engines for electricity generation. The choice of renewable energy from the outset reflects a conscious and sustainable approach to electricity generation in Ecuador .
Why was the achievement successful and impactful?
The success of the Loja Hydroelectric Plant, inaugurated in 1899, was due to the combination of innovative engineering, visionary leadership, and local collaboration. French engineer Alberto Rhor and local entrepreneurs José Miguel Burneo and Ramón Eguiguren overcame logistical, geographic, and technical challenges, including transporting equipment through the Andes and designing a system to harness the Malacatos River's hydropower. The plant became Ecuador's first hydroelectric facility, providing electricity for public lighting, industrial operations, and domestic use, significantly enhancing the quality of life in Loja.
Its impact extended beyond Loja, serving as a model for sustainable energy development in Ecuador. By using renewable hydropower, the plant showcased the viability of clean energy resources in a country abundant in water systems, setting a precedent for future energy projects. This milestone also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing technological infrastructure during a time when electricity was still a novel innovation in much of South America.
Supporting texts and citations to establish the dates, location, and importance of the achievement: Minimum of five (5), but as many as needed to support the milestone, such as patents, contemporary newspaper articles, journal articles, or chapters in scholarly books. 'Scholarly' is defined as peer-reviewed, with references, and published. You must supply the texts or excerpts themselves, not just the references. At least one of the references must be from a scholarly book or journal article. All supporting materials must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation.
Text 1: "After the installation was completed, on April 1, 1899, the first power station in Ecuador was inaugurated, making Loja the first city in the country to have electric lighting. On this day, Electric Light Society organized an inauguration ceremony at the Municipal House. The event was attended by local authorities and the society’s partners, who received the titles of their shares. Although Alberto Rhor could not attend due to his responsibilities at the power station, his role as the precursor and director of the work for the construction and operation of electric lighting in Loja was highlighted in the speeches given by the manager and the partners." Cite 1: R. Cabrera, A. Carrión and D. Iñiguez, "Historical Review of the First Power Plant in Ecuador," 2023 IEEE Seventh Ecuador Technical Chapters Meeting (ECTM), Ambato, Ecuador, 2023, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/ETCM58927.2023.10309026.
Text 2: "On April 1, 1899, the residents of Loja observed how “the city was illuminated, for the first time, at night” [8]. The energy produced was distributed for public lighting, supplying electricity to a grain mill, supplying electricity to a sawing and woodworking machine, for the home use of a few users (preferably members of the Sociedad Luz Eléctrica) and for lighting the churches in the city center. The service of supplying electricity to the “customers” was carried out from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m." Cite 2: Jaramillo, J. Loja, pionera de la generación de energía eléctrica en el Ecuador. Pg: 38. Loja: UTPL (2010).
Text 3: "We have considered it highly culpable to omit to present to the face of the entire Republic the act of rejoicing that Loja witnessed on April 1st of this year, on the occasion of the inauguration of the electric lighting, which took place on that day. For this reason and in spite of our inadequacy, we have lent our shoulder to the wheel, undertaking the publication of all the acts that we witnessed on that night, for us of everlasting memory, thus making up for a task in which more authoritative and competent persons should have intervened." Cite 3: R. Eguiguren, Acts held on the occasion of the inauguration of electric lighting in Loja. Tipograf´ıa Republicana, 1899. [Online]. Available: http://repositorio.casadelacultura.gob.ec/handle/34000/11086
Text 4: "The REPUBLICAN (newspaper) of this city in No. 6 corresponding to April 7, 1900 says: This first step, although it opened a vast horizon for the future, was only the initiation of works whose conclusion was to be seen two years later, and not easily but through repeated disappointments and deceptions that put the enterprise in danger on more than one occasion. In any case, it was the iron will of the one who took charge of the work, which saved every situation, however painful it was, and put us in a position to witness and enthusiastically greet the splendid appearance of the electric lighting on the night of April 1, 1899." Cite 4: A. Carrion, ´ Rebuttal of the flyer titled to the public. Imprenta El Labaro, 1903. [Online]. Available: http://repositorio.casadelacultura.gob.ec/handle/34000/68
Text 5: "In the city of Loja on the twenty-third day of the month of April of 1897 before the undersigned public notary of this canton and the witnesses who will speak, the following gentlemen appear: Manuel Alejandro Carrión, Serbio Fernando Riofrío, José Miguel Burneo, Alberto Rhor, native of France, Ramón Eguiguren, Alíen Riofrío, Ernesto Witt, native of Germany, Benjamín Ayora representing Manuel Benjamín Chevo, Doc. Francisco Arias, Doc. Julio Arias representing Doc. Manuel Aguirre Jaramillo, Berris Brothers, José María Burneo, Emiliano Valdivieso, Doc. Vicente Burneo, Darío Benavides and Ramón Moreno Santin, Mr. José Miguel Burneo, Rhor, Eguiguren, Berrin and Moreno Santin single, and the rest married, all of this neighborhood, of legal age, persons capable of verifying, according to the law that confers me, I attest and define that of their free and spontaneity and will had agreed to build a company on the bases and with the constant conditions in the statutes that were signed by all the contracting parties and presented to me so that they appear in this deed and that are copied verbatim, as follows: STATUTES OF THE COMPANY “LUZ ELÉCTRICA”" Cite 5: Various authors. April 23, 1897. Public deed of incorporation of the Electric Light Company. Historical Archive of the city of Loja.
Text 6: "The extension of 10 de Agosto Street was the only populated sector outside the Malacatus River boundary, since it connected to the first power plant in our city. It was the access route to the Costa region, and linked these two sectors, with the Santa Rosa Bridge, which disappeared “in the mid-1970s.” Outside these boundaries, to the south, there were lands belonging to the Álvarez Foundation that ran from Argelia to the current Barrio Cuarto Centenario. A water channel ran through these lands, which was previously used for the operation of the Electric Power Plant on 10 de Agosto Street." Cite 6: Valarezo, R. (2021). Loja de ayer (1950–2000), Pg: 64. Visión retrospectiva de su convivir y desarrollo, 1.
Text 7: "On April 1, 1899 -says the chronicle- ELECTRIC LIGHT was installed in this city, having been baptized by the Vicar (Mr. Dr. Arsenio Castillo) and solemnized with the assistance of the corporations of the Ecclesiastical and Civil Council. The Director of this work was Mr. Alberto Rosas. The godparents of the Blessing were Mr. Julio Arias and his wife. IRREFUTABLY WITH THIS EVENT, LOJA IS THE PRECURSOR OF ELECTRIC LIGHT IN ECUADOR! What more glory? What more progress?" Cite 7: Pacheco Ochoa, David. "Leyendas, tradiciones y relatos lojanos." (1996). Pg: 175.
Text 8: “Likewise, without missing any of the notable events that took place, more than once we have said that Loja has been, is and will be the FIRST to inaugurate ELECTRIC LIGHT in Ecuador. An honor that no one can take away, nor can anyone underestimate it. … Let this opportunity be propitious -we said- to suggest that on this great commemorative date, the gratitude of the people of Loja be made present, in the person of the RHOR SOTOMAYOR family, who still lives -according to press data- and who are children of Mr. French Engineer ALBERTO RHOR, who was the one who installed the First Electricity Plant, in this city and therefore in Ecuador, on April 1st, 1899.” Cite 8: Diario La Frontera, 30 de marzo de 1974.
Cite 9: Documental Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (2010). Online: https://youtu.be/ADyonghKHkU
Cite 10: Documental Ecuavisa (2024). Online: https://youtu.be/ELk7wIFeIm4
Supporting materials (supported formats: GIF, JPEG, PNG, PDF, DOC): All supporting materials must be in English, or if not in English, accompanied by an English translation. You must supply the texts or excerpts themselves, not just the references. For documents that are copyright-encumbered, or which you do not have rights to post, email the documents themselves to ieee-history@ieee.org. Please see the Milestone Program Guidelines for more information.
Please email a jpeg or PDF a letter in English, or with English translation, from the site owner(s) giving permission to place IEEE milestone plaque on the property, and a letter (or forwarded email) from the appropriate Section Chair supporting the Milestone application to ieee-history@ieee.org with the subject line "Attention: Milestone Administrator." Note that there are multiple texts of the letter depending on whether an IEEE organizational unit other than the section will be paying for the plaque(s).
Please recommend reviewers by emailing their names and email addresses to ieee-history@ieee.org. Please include the docket number and brief title of your proposal in the subject line of all emails.
