Ecuador signs contract with CNPC to double offshore natural gas output

Photo: EP Petroecuador.

Ecuador has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its energy security with the signing of a USD 78 million agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The deal focuses on boosting production at the Amistad gas field, the country’s only offshore hydrocarbon block, where current output stands at around 20 million cubic feet per day.

The project involves the refurbishment of four offshore wells and the deployment of a jack-up drilling platform, marking the first offshore operation in over a decade in Ecuadorian waters. Work is scheduled to begin in October 2025 and continue until May 2026, with the aim of doubling production and securing long-term energy supply.

Natural gas from Amistad is critical to Ecuador’s power grid, as it supplies Termogas Machala, the country’s main thermoelectric plant. According to government spokesperson Carolina Jaramillo, the expansion will ensure reliable supply for both industrial users and households, reducing risks of shortages and cutting reliance on fuel imports.

Beyond the technical aspects, the deal underscores the geopolitical dimension of Ecuador-China relations. China has become a key partner for Ecuador, financing infrastructure, mining, and energy projects in recent years. For Quito, CNPC’s involvement not only brings foreign capital but also advanced offshore expertise that can help modernize Ecuador’s energy sector and diversify its energy mix amid rising domestic demand and fiscal constraints.

Industry experts suggest that this contract could pave the way for further investment rounds and technology transfers, expanding offshore exploration in a country with significant untapped potential.

By partnering with CNPC, Ecuador is signaling its intent to strengthen its position as a reliable energy producer while reinforcing ties with Beijing, which continues to expand its footprint in Latin America’s strategic resource sectors.

* Original text in Spanish. Translated by Large Language Model (LLM) technology.

Main Source:

Ecuador firma un contrato con la china CNPC para duplicar su producción de gas natural – RFI

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