Over the past year, from May 2025 to April 2026, Ecuador's electricity consumption has primarily been met by low-carbon sources, which have provided nearly three-quarters of the country's electricity. Hydropower, as a dominant source, accounts for the majority within this category at over 70% of the total electricity generated. Fossil fuels contribute a quarter of the nation's electricity, while gas plays a minor role in this sector. The reliance on net imports is minimal, accounting for only about 1% of the total. Biofuels also contribute close to 1%, adding a slight boost to the country's low-carbon electricity generation footprint. This energy mix highlights Ecuador's strong commitment towards reducing its carbon footprint and emphasizes the importance of hydropower in this strategy.

Is Electricity Growing in Ecuador?

Despite a slight overall increase in electricity consumption per capita, growing from 2104 kWh in 2025 to 2140 kWh in 2026, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a small decrease. Specifically, it fell from a record high of 1570 kWh per person in 2025 to 1561 kWh per person in 2026. While there is an upward trend in overall electricity consumption, a decrease in clean energy generation suggests missed opportunities in further reducing reliance on fossil fuels, whose sustainability is under continuous scrutiny due to concerns over climate change and air pollution. This pattern raises concerns about the stability and future of Ecuador's clean energy growth trajectory, highlighting the need for strategic planning and investment in diverse low-carbon energy sources.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Ecuador should look to global leaders in solar, wind, and nuclear energy for inspiration. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes upwards of 65% of the electricity mix, showcase the potential of this powerful and sustainable energy source. Meanwhile, states like California and Nevada, where solar energy accounts for around a third of electricity, demonstrate effective harnessing of solar power despite differing geographic and economic contexts. By investing in nuclear and solar infrastructure, Ecuador can strengthen its low-carbon energy supply, ensuring energy security and sustainability for its growing population while contributing to a global reduction in emissions. Across the spectrum, the pursuit of a diverse clean energy mix is a crucial strategy for maximizing reliability and enhancing environmental performance.

History

Historically, Ecuador's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, largely driven by hydropower development. The 1980s saw minor increments, with a notable increase of about 1.5 TWh in 1984. The 1990s involved both gains and setbacks, with fluctuations peaking in 1996 with an increase of 1.2 TWh and a reduction in 1995 by 1.4 TWh. The early 21st century, particularly from 2007 onwards, shows a series of robust expansions, with significant increments such as 2.3 TWh in 2008 and 4.3 TWh in 2017. The recent years continued this trend with certain years like 2025 seeing a remarkable addition of 5.1 TWh, although interspersed with periods of decline like in 2024. This pattern of growth and challenges underlines the necessity for diversification and expansion into solar and nuclear capacities to ensure consistent and sustainable progress in Ecuador's clean electricity landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.