Ecuador starts Amazon fracking despite climate concerns

Ecuador has begun fracking in the Amazon rainforest for the first time, state oil company Petroecuador announced Wednesday. The contentious extraction method, which uses industrial quantities of water to break open rocks and causes chemical contamination, is being conducted at an oilfield in northeastern Sucumbios province in partnership with Chinese company CCDC.

This move comes as Ecuador suffers chronic energy shortages and prolonged electricity outages during droughts in 2024-2025. The country relies on hydro generation for 70% of its power but consumes more than it produces. Fracking is expected to yield over 930 barrels daily, supplementing Ecuador's current oil production of 441,000 barrels per day (74% exported).

Environmentalists warn the Amazon fracking threatens vital rainforest ecosystems and conflicts with global climate goals. Notably, Ecuador skipped this week's Santa Marta conference where 60 countries discussed pivoting from fossil fuels to combat climate change. As global temperatures rise, Nigeria faces similar energy challenges - will we follow Ecuador's path or invest in sustainable alternatives?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/30/ecuador-begins-fracking-in-amazon-rainforest/