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.

When will Ecuador start constructing a solar power plant?

In 2023, the Energy Ministry released tenders for a 500 MW renewable block (wind, biomass, solar), 400 MW Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCCP), and a Northeast Transmission System to supply the Ecuadorian oil system. From these tenders, only the Villonaco project has started construction as of August 2025.

Will Ecuador get a nuclear power plant?

In May 2025, Ecuador became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The next step is to enact the legal framework to oversee and regulate nuclear energy. Only after the legal framework is in place could the Energy Ministry issue a public procurement for the first nuclear power plant in Ecuador.

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).

Does Ecuador need a new energy source?

Ecuador urgently needs to accelerate new investments in power generation capacity and diversify its electricity sources. The Energy Ministry announced plans to add 541 MW in thermal generation in 2025 including the rental of three barges (300 MW), Salitral project (100 MW), Quevedo project (50 MW), and Esmeralda’s project (91 MW).

Does Ecuador have a country Factsheet?

Specifically for Ecuador, country factsheet has been elaborated, including the information on solar resource and PV power potential country statistics, seasonal electricity generation variations, LCOE estimates and cross-correlation with the relevant socio-economic indicators.