Why is Ecuador a good place to start a business?

Ecuador provides significant business opportunities in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Electricity demand continues to increase, and Ecuador urgently needs to increase generation capacity and accelerate investments to meet demand.

How much electricity does Ecuador need?

Ecuador had a peak demand of 5,110 MW in May 2025, and according to CENACE, electricity demand grows by 360 MW every year. Ecuador’s energy shortage could result in a recurrence of power outages, particularly in the dry season of September through December. Ecuador has added minimal generation in recent years.

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.

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).

What is Ecuador's nuclear energy plan?

Ecuador’s nuclear energy plan contemplates a 300 MW small modular reactor in the medium term and a 1 GW reactor in the long term. 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.

How did Ecuador's power outages affect economic activity in 2024?

During a prolonged dry season in 2024, Ecuador’s over-reliance on hydropower (78 percent of total generation) resulted in daily blackouts of up to 14 hours, hurting economic activity. According to Ecuador’s Central Bank, power outages caused economic losses of about $2 billion in 2024.