Ecuador advances in reducing gas flares in the Amazon as part of an effort to mitigate pollutant emissions associated with oil activity. This action stems from a judicial decision by the Provincial Court of Sucumbíos in 2021 and has already yielded significant results.
Elimination of Flares: A Step Towards Sustainability in the Amazon
Ecuador’s ambitious plan aims to deactivate more than 400 gas flares by 2030. So far, 180 flares have been removed, which has allowed for a reduction of 710,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This progress represents 42% of the total target.
The implementation of this project presents challenges due to the geographical and technical complexities of the Amazon region. Each dismantling can take between 12 and 36 months, requiring careful planning and the integration of advanced technologies.
In the first six months of 2026, Petroecuador dismantled ten new flares in the oil fields of the Orellana and Sucumbíos provinces. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality for local communities.
A key aspect of the program’s success is the use of gas recovered from the flares for electricity generation and industrial processes, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels. This reinforces the circular economy model adopted by Ecuador.
The state-owned company Petroecuador leads this initiative, highlighting that the elimination of flares contributes to improving environmental conditions in the Amazon and reducing the negative impact on ecosystems.
With a view to completing the project by 2030, Ecuador is committed to continuing to modernize its energy infrastructures, focusing on sustainable solutions that minimize the impact of hydrocarbon extraction on the environment.
