China portable power station in Ecuador

Where does Ecuador''s electricity come from?

Ecuador’s state-owned electricity company, CELEC EP, imports electricity from neighboring Colombia. CELEC is also increasing diesel purchases from Petroecuador to power its thermal electric power plants. Ecuador had a peak demand of 5,110 MW in May 2025, and according to CENACE, electricity demand grows by 360 MW every year.

How much electricity does Ecuador need?

Ecuador had a peak demand of 5,110 MW in May 2025, and according to CENACE, electricity demand grows by 360 MW every year. Ecuador’s energy shortage could result in a recurrence of power outages, particularly in the dry season of September through December.

What type of energy does Ecuador use?

Ecuador’s renewable energy is comprised of hydro power (5,419 MW), biomass (1550 MW), wind (71 MW), photovoltaic (29 MW), and biogas (11 MW). Hydroelectric power plants are in three regions: coastal (2 provinces), Andes (9 provinces), and Amazon (4 provinces).

Can Ecuador add nuclear energy to its energy mix?

Ecuador is also exploring opportunities to add nuclear energy to its energy mix, though it has not allocated budgetary resources to this sector. Ecuador’s nuclear energy plan contemplates a 300 MW small modular reactor in the medium term and a 1 GW reactor in the long term.