Electricity in Ecuador in 2023

As of 2023, Ecuador's total electricity consumption comes primarily from low-carbon sources, with over 27 TWh generated from green energy like hydropower, which itself contributes around 27 TWh. Fossil sources still play a significant role, producing about 9 TWh from fossil fuels and gas combined. This means that more than three-quarters of Ecuador's electricity comes from clean sources, with fossil fuels making up less than a quarter. Comparatively, in terms of electricity consumption per person, Ecuador is generating around 34 TWh of electricity annually for an estimated population of approximately 18 million people, which is roughly 215 watts per person. This is significantly lower than the global average of 432 watts per person and indicates potential limitations in industrial productivity and economic development due to inadequate electricity generation.

Suggestions

Ecuador can significantly augment its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from countries that have excelled in clean energy production. For example, Brazil has successfully integrated wind power, producing about 96 TWh, and solar energy, generating over 50 TWh. India, another developing country, achieved substantial gains by investing in solar energy, with output reaching 113 TWh and wind energy at around 82 TWh. By looking at these successful models, Ecuador can diversify its low-carbon energy mix by investing more in solar and wind power. Furthermore, adopting nuclear energy, as seen in countries like South Korea and France, which generate 180 TWh and 336 TWh respectively from nuclear power, can provide a stable and substantial increase in Ecuador’s clean energy production while reducing reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

History

Ecuador's history of low-carbon electricity generation has been dominated by hydropower, beginning with small increments in the early 1980s. Significant growth was seen in the mid-2000s, notably with a 2 TWh increase in 2007 and 2.3 TWh in 2008. Despite occasional setbacks, such as a 2.1 TWh decline in 2009, hydro generation rebounded strongly with notable surges of 2.4 TWh in 2011 and 4.2 TWh both in 2017 and 2019. The advancement in hydroelectric infrastructure clearly played a substantial role in Ecuador's current green energy capacity. However, to continue this trend and overcome the limitations of relying solely on hydropower, further diversification into other low-carbon energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear is crucial for a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources