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.

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 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.

Can Ecuador add nuclear energy to its energy mix?

Ecuador is also exploring opportunities to add nuclear energy to its energy mix, though it has not allocated budgetary resources to this sector. 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.

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).

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.