Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Esmeraldas I 125 MW Thermal Plant to Remain Offline for 9-12 Months
Esmeraldas I, a 125 MW thermal plant, will remain out of operation for nine months to one year after a June 5 cooling-tower fire during maintenance. Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum said Ecuador could face a 1,300 MW deficit in a critical 2026-2027 dry-season scenario, while an external consultant placed potential shortfall risk as high as 2,640 MW under lower hydro generation.
Novacero Plans $180M Investment in Two 50 MW Mini-Hydro Plants
Novacero plans two 50 MW mini-hydroelectric projects with combined investment of $180 million as Ecuador pushes high-voltage users to install their own generation by end-2026. The company already operates a 4.23 MW solar park in Guayaquil and plans additional panels in Guayaquil and Quito while trying to cover a 38 MW peak load at its Lasso plant.
BIESS Offers Three Mortgage-Debt Options as 2026 Credit Target Reaches $5.8B
BIESS reminded affiliates, retirees and pensioners that mortgage borrowers have three alternatives for payment problems: refinancing, restructuring and novation. The bank targets $5.8 billion in 2026 credit placements after placing $5.0986 billion in 2025, including $479 million in mortgage loans across 7,816 operations.
Ecuador Plans Temporary ICE Cut for Moderate Alcoholic Beverages During World Cup
President Daniel Noboa announced a temporary elimination of ICE on moderate alcoholic beverages, including beer, during the 2026 World Cup period. Noboa said beer prices would fall by more than 20% and that the measure would remain in force until July 19, though implementation details were still pending.
CELEC Awards $59.2M Diesel Rental for 45 MW at Santa Elena
CELEC awarded a $59.2 million diesel-generation rental contract for 45 MW at the Santa Elena plant, nearly $13 million below the reference budget. The award went to Comercial Laeisz Honduras after seven offers and Sercop observations over the public-procurement process.
Ecuador Plans Emergency Contracting Committee as Erosion Threatens Coca Codo
Ecuador will form an emergency committee to accelerate works tied to regressive erosion on the Coca River, which threatens Coca Codo Sinclair’s water-intake structures. The hydro plant supplies about 25% of national electricity demand and cost more than $2 billion.
CAN Countries Discuss Single Andean Sky After 40M International Passengers in 2024
Andean Community countries discussed a “single Andean sky” proposal at the IV Andean Air Transport Forum in Quito. The subregion moved 40 million international passengers in 2024, including 6.47 million passengers traveling between CAN countries.
Orellana Illegal-Mining Operation Destroys Equipment Worth Estimated $1.2M
A military operation in Orellana caused an estimated $1.2 million loss to illegal mining structures, according to the Defense Ministry. The intervention destroyed camps, excavators, suction motors, classifiers, generators and 2,660 gallons of fuel.
Petroecuador Adds Output at Sacha and Auca as State Production Hits 364,233 Bpd
Petroecuador added new well output at Sacha and Auca, with state production reaching 364,233 barrels per day on June 8. Sacha produced 72,811 bpd, about 20% of Petroecuador output, while Auca produced 61,007 bpd, about 17%.
Colombia Removes 30% Tariffs on Ecuadorian Goods After CAN Dispute
Colombia removed the 30% reciprocal tariffs on selected Ecuadorian goods through Decree 0583, derogating Decree 170 of February 20, 2026. Rice tariffs will be dismantled within 45 days as customs controls are strengthened along the southern border.
Ecuador Checks Fuel Chain as Esmeraldas Refinery Recovers to Nearly 90%
Ecuador is verifying fuel inventories, dispatches and station operations before the June 12 monthly price update. Authorities say Esmeraldas refinery recovery lifted capacity from 40% to nearly 90% after a $15.7 million repair effort.
World Cup Demand Could Lift Ecuador June Sales to $25.609B
Ecuador's June sales are estimated at $25.609 billion, up 10.1% from $23.269 billion in June 2025. Commerce alone is projected at $10.701 billion, up 14%, as World Cup demand flows through restaurants, bars, sports retail, electronics, delivery and telecoms.
