Electricity in Ecuador in 2023/2024

In the period spanning from September 2023 to August 2024, Ecuador's electricity consumption exhibits a strong predominance of low-carbon sources, accounting for nearly 69% of the total. Hydropower plays a vital role, making up close to 67% of the generation. However, fossil fuels still contribute a significant portion at 28%, highlighting areas where emissions could potentially be reduced. A smaller fraction, 3%, of the electricity is drawn from net imports, indicating a reliance on external sources. Natural gas and biofuels contribute minimally to the national grid, with each holding less than 3% and 2% respectively. The data reveals that Ecuador’s energy matrix is predominantly clean, yet the continued use of fossil fuels suggests opportunities for improvement in sustainability.

Suggestions

Ecuador, seeking to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, could draw lessons from countries that have effectively harnessed nuclear and wind energy. For instance, countries similar to Ecuador, such as Uruguay, have successfully utilized wind energy to contribute 33% of their electricity needs. This demonstrates wind's viability in transforming an energy matrix towards sustainability. Additionally, expanding nuclear energy is crucial; countries like France and Slovakia illustrate this with nuclear sources contributing 68% and 60% of their electricity respectively. By considering advancements in nuclear and wind technology, Ecuador has the opportunity to further diminish its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing emissions and bolstering energy security.

History

Ecuador's history with low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuating growth, particularly in hydropower. In the early 1980s, this sector began its gradual expansion, with modest increases each year. This trend continued through the 1990s and early 2000s, although interspersed with occasional declines like in 1995, 2009, and 2013, which underscored the challenges in maintaining consistent growth. However, the period post-2007 marked substantial surges, especially from 2015 to 2019, where significant jumps demonstrated effective infrastructural investments. Yet, recent years have seen volatile changes, with 2024 experiencing a notable reduction by 2.3 TWh. While hydropower has undoubtedly been a pillar, the need for diversification into other low-carbon methods such as nuclear, wind, and solar is apparent to ensure sustained growth and energy stability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources