As of 2024, electricity consumption in Ecuador is primarily driven by clean energy sources, with more than two-thirds of its electricity coming from low-carbon methods. Specifically, hydropower accounts for almost 70% of the nation's electricity, illustrating its critical role in Ecuador's energy mix. On the other hand, fossil fuels still contribute to a significant portion of Ecuador's electricity. With close to a third coming from fossil energy, the majority of which is gas at 3%, there is still room for improvement in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing Ecuador's dependency on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Ecuador?
In recent years, Ecuador has faced challenges in growing its electricity consumption. The latest data from 2024 indicates that electricity consumption per person has slightly decreased from 1914 kWh in 2023 to 1834 kWh in 2024. This decline is accompanied by a reduction in low-carbon electricity generation per person, now standing at 1304 kWh, down from its previous peak of 1475 kWh in 2021. These reductions are concerning and highlight a stagnation in Ecuador's energy sector, posing a risk to meeting both the future energy demands and climate goals.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Ecuador could draw inspiration from regions like France and Slovakia, which heavily rely on nuclear energy, generating around 69% and 64% respectively, from this source. Furthermore, Uruguay's success in wind energy, producing 34% of its electricity from wind, alongside initiatives in countries like Lebanon with solar at 31%, could guide Ecuador in diversifying its clean energy portfolio. Incorporating solar and nuclear energy more prominently in Ecuador's energy strategy can provide a sustainable path forward while mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution.
History
The historical development of low-carbon electricity in Ecuador, particularly hydropower, has undergone significant changes over the decades. In the early 1980s, the sector saw modest growth, with a noteworthy increase around 2007 to 2009, marked by an additional 2 to 2.3 TWh of hydropower-generated electricity. The decade of 2010 brought bigger strides with substantial growth in hydroelectric expansion, peaking in 2017 and 2019, both witnessing 4.2 TWh. Over the past few years, however, there have been occasional declines, such as a drop of 2.7 TWh in 2024, which mirrors an inconsistency in development and raises concerns about the stability of Ecuador's low-carbon electricity network. Continuously fostering growth and stability in their hydropower sector, while simultaneously investing in other clean energy sources, is essential for Ecuador's sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.