Ecuador's energy crisis deepens amid historic drought and extended blackouts.

Ecuador’s energy crisis deepens amid historic drought and extended blackouts

Ecuador is facing a severe energy crisis caused by the worst drought in six decades drastically reducing water levels in reservoirs powering hydroelectric plants that supply over 70% of the nation’s electricity. Since October 23, 2024, power cuts have expanded from 8 to 14 hours per day, impacting cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and causing economic losses of about $12 million per hour. 

havana cuba by Rômulo Ferreira

Cuba enacts emergency measures after largest power plant goes offline, leaving 10 million in the dark

On October 17, 2024, Cuba’s government announced emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces in response to catastrophic blackouts lasting more than 12 hours per day for millions. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stressed fuel shortages, poor infrastructure, and increased demand, all exacerbated by Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. 

power lines

Power grids fail across Balkan as temperatures hit 40 °C (104 °F)

A massive power outage struck parts of the Balkan Peninsula on June 21, 2024, as temperatures soared to 40 °C (104°F). The blackout caused widespread disruption across Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, and Albania. Officials and media blame increased power consumption due to the sweltering heat for power grid failures.

Gas emissions in the Baltic Sea from Nord Stream f

Fourth leak found in Nord Stream pipelines

The Swedish Coast Guard (SCG) said they found a fourth leak in Nord Stream pipelines on September 29, 2022, just 3 days after underwater explosions severely damaged two Nord Stream 1 pipes and one Nord Stream 2.

nord stream 2 gas pipeline leak september 27 2022 danish defence command

Unprecedented, simultaneous damage to both Nord Stream pipelines; Norway warns of threats from unidentified drones flying over gas and oil platforms

A sharp drop in pressure has been detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines on September 26, 2022. The investigation into the cause is in progress. On the same day, Norway’s oil safety regulator warned of threats from unidentified drones seen flying near their offshore oil and gas platforms.