Ecuador plans its first nuclear plant by 2029, aiming for energy security despite financial, regulatory, and seismic challenges.

The Ecuadorian government has revealed an ambitious roadmap to establish the country’s first nuclear power plant, aiming to generate its initial megawatts by 2029. This initiative, spearheaded by the administration of President Daniel Noboa, comes in response to the severe energy shortages Ecuador faced in 2024, which led to prolonged blackouts and economic disruptions.

A Roadmap to Nuclear Energy

Vice Minister of Electricity Fabián Calero announced the plan on February 21, 2025, during a presentation of the government’s electricity sector investment strategy. According to Calero, the project will unfold in multiple phases, starting with the development of a modular reactor capable of supplying 300 megawatts. In the long term, the plan envisions constructing a 1-gigawatt (1,000 megawatt) nuclear plant, which would contribute 1approximately 20% of Ecuador’s maximum electricity demand of 4,950 megawatts.

This capacity would be sufficient to power an entire city the size of Guayaquil, which currently has a peak demand of 1,100 megawatts and a steady consumption of 770 megawatts.

“The goal is to make nuclear energy a reality in Ecuador. We expect to have significant updates in the coming weeks,” Calero stated. He emphasized that the government has already designed a step-by-step strategy to bring the project to fruition within the next five years.

Phased Implementation

The nuclear roadmap began with a preparatory phase in December 2024 and concluded in January 2025. The first active phase, running from February to May 2025, includes technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regulatory evaluations, and the issuance of ministerial agreements and executive decrees to establish a legal framework for nuclear development.

Between May and October 2025, Phase 2 will focus on creating new regulatory entities within the Ministry of Energy to oversee the nuclear sector. Phase 3, planned for the entirety of 2026, will involve launching a competitive selection process to identify the company responsible for constructing the plant.

If the project proceeds on schedule, Ecuador’s first nuclear reactor could be operational by 2029. The facility is expected to have a lifespan of 40 years, contributing to the country’s long-term energy security.

Ministerial Agreement and Investment Landscape

At the conclusion of the investment plan presentation, Minister of Energy Inés Manzano and Vice Minister Calero signed a ministerial agreement formalizing Ecuador’s nuclear energy policy. The agreement seeks to establish nuclear and radiological safety standards while promoting public and private investments in the sector.

According to the Ministry, the initiative will also facilitate scientific research in nuclear power generation, ensuring that Ecuador develops the necessary expertise to manage and regulate its nuclear industry.

Beyond nuclear energy, the government’s broader electricity strategy includes a substantial investment in renewable sources. Over $7 billion is earmarked for hydroelectric projects projected to generate 5,700 megawatts between 2025 and 2030. Additionally, five wind projects are set to produce 310 megawatts, requiring an estimated investment of $430 million. The plan also calls for nine photovoltaic projects delivering 1,600 megawatts at a cost of $1.1 billion and three geothermal projects adding 360 megawatts to the national grid.

Challenges Ahead

While the nuclear initiative presents a promising solution to Ecuador’s energy crisis, it is not without significant challenges. The high cost of nuclear plant construction, estimated to run into billions of dollars, poses a major financial hurdle. Additionally, Ecuador’s location in a seismically active region raises concerns about operational risks and the safe management of radioactive waste.

Nonetheless, the Noboa administration remains committed to diversifying the country’s energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and achieving greater energy independence. As Ecuador moves forward with its nuclear ambitions, the coming years will test the government’s ability to navigate regulatory, financial, and environmental obstacles to bring this landmark project to life.