Strategic assessment of geothermal development in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper presents a holistic overview over the current status of geothermal development in Ecuador. The methodology was based on “Strategic Thinking”, evaluating the information while taking into account internal and external factors of the geothermal power projects situation in CELEC EP, the National Company of Electricity of Ecuador responsible of executing them. For this work, fourteen interviews were conducted with relevant actors from Ecuador and recognized experts from Iceland, Japan, Chile and Nicaragua. In addition, some successful cases from Iceland and Nicaragua are described to help the appraisal of information. The acquired information of the Ecuadorian case was processed with the SWOT tool and further actions are proposed. This report does not give the final answer about what Ecuador’s current situation is and what steps should be taken, but it contributes to the continuing discussing about the next steps to develop geothermal resources in Ecuador.