The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Seminar Ecuador 2025 served as a platform for in-depth technical analysis of the national and regional energy landscape. Representing the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), Fitzgerald Cantero Piali, Director of Studies, Projects, and Information, addressed the core challenges of the energy transition and the urgent need to diversify and integrate renewable sources into power systems.
“The hypothesis on the table is that too many renewables were injected into the system simultaneously, and that instability in the grid may have caused the massive blackout we all witnessed. No one in the world is immune to this,” warned Cantero, referring to recent power outages in the region.
During his remarks, he shared key figures that reflect the low level of renewable potential being harnessed. In Ecuador, only 24% of its hydroelectric potential is used, along with just 0.24% of its solar resource and 1.8% of its wind capacity. This scenario is mirrored across the region, where only 1.7% of the estimated 4,800 GW of solar potential is being utilized, and 15.7% of wind potential (66 of 420 GW).
“This highlights the vast development potential our region holds in renewable energy,” he emphasized. Although Ecuador has over 70% of its installed capacity coming from renewable sources, there is still considerable room for sustainable growth. Achieving this requires long-term energy planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and adequate financial resources.
The regional commitment aligns with the RELAC 2030 goal of reaching 63% installed capacity in renewable energy and 80% clean electricity generation across Latin America and the Caribbean.
