[1] Despite past and ongoing attempts to take charge in energy sustainability (as with the now defunct Yasuni-ITT initiative), oil production and exportation still supports its small $5,853 GDP/capita economy at an average of 549,000 barrels/day in 2016.
[7] Despite having three small refineries in the Esmeraldas, Shushufundi, and La Libertad sites operated by Petroecuador, the country lacks the ability to refine heavy crude.
[8] The Refinery of the Pacific Eloy Alfaro (RDP), a petrochemical company with a compound currently under development, would allow Ecuador to refine up to 300,000 barrels/day once fully operational.
The company is owned by Petroecuador, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, and the China National Petroleum Corporation.
[10] In 2016, the company announced the completion of the La Esperanza Multipurpose Aqueduct, a prerequisite project that would supply the refinery with water necessary for its processes.
On August 21, 2017, the minister of hydrocarbons, Carlos Pérez García, announced that the government would not contribute any more funds towards the project and instead turn towards foreign investment.
Sumak kawsay describes the state's harmony with its different ethnic cultures and natural environments.
Self-sufficiency is one of the pillars of energy sovereignty as discussed by former President Rafael Correa’s administration.