Energy in Uruguay

Energy In Uruguay

The electricity sector of Uruguay is largely based on domestic hydropower and is reliant on imports from Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay’s indigenous energy resources are limited to hydro energy, biomass and other renewable resources; however, the former has been practically developed in its entirety and the latter entails relatively high costs.

Over 60% of installed capacity in the country is hydro, almost all of it produced by four hydroelectric facilities. The remainder of the installed generation capacity is mostly covered by expensive small thermal power plants and mobile diesel generators, activated during peak demand. This leaves Uruguay vulnerable to seasonal rainfall patterns, even though, under normal hydrological conditions, Uruguay can supply its off-peak domestic demand.

The Energy Strategy Guidelines defined by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines (MIEM) in 2006 aim at the diversification of energy sources, the increase of private participation in new renewable power generation, the increase in regional energy trade, and the promotion of energy efficiency. According to the National Directorate for Energy and Nuclear Technology (DNETN), grid-connected wind power generation is one of the domestic resources with best potential in Uruguay for the medium and long term.

Read more about Energy In Uruguay:  Service Quality, Responsibilities in The Electricity Sector, Renewable Energy Resources, Tariffs, Environmental Impact, External Assistance

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