A recent study by researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Yachay Tech University highlights the potential of integrating wind and solar energy into Ecuador's power grid to prevent future energy crises. Ecuador, traditionally reliant on hydropower, experienced significant energy shortages in 2024 due to severe droughts, leading to prolonged power outages. The study, published in Nature Water, suggests that wind and solar energy can complement hydropower by reducing the demand on reservoirs during peak production months.