Based on what has been described, it is identified that there is a high potential for electricity generation in Ecuador, especially the types of projects and specific places to start them up by the central state and radicalize the energy transition.
It is also increasing diesel purchases from Petroecuador to power its thermal electric power plants. The 1500 MW Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower plant generated 7,202 GWh in 2022 (22 percent of the 33,008 GWh of gross electricity generation).
This becomes an important strategic component within the Ecuadorian electricity production system. However, analyzed source by source, the greatest contribution is hydroelectric with 5064.16 MW of effective power of the total of 5254.95 MW, which implies 96.36% of the total renewable energy.
The Ecuadorian electricity sector is considered strategic due to its direct influence with the development productive of the country. In Ecuador for the year 2020, the generation capacity registered in the national territory was 8712.29 MW of NP (nominal power) and 8095.25 MW of PE (Effective power). The generation sources are presented in Table 1.
Thus, the Agency of Regulation and Control of Energy and Nonrenewable Natural Resources is working together with the Ministry to ensure a modernization capable of handling the new challenges oriented to achieve a comprehensive upgrade of the entire Ecuadorian energy sector.
Electricity demand grows by 200 MW every year, meaning Ecuador should add 250 MW or 300 MW of new power generation each year. However, Ecuador has added minimal additional generation in the last three years.