Why does Uruguay generate a surplus of electricity?

Typically, Uruguay generates a surplus of electricity due to an excess of wind-power capacity. The country seeks to identify additional domestic uses for excess electricity and potentially increase exports to Argentina and Brazil.

Should Uruguay switch to green electricity?

Uruguay, one of South America’s smallest countries, is attracting outsized attention over its transition to green electricity. It didn’t happen simply by building a bunch of wind and solar farms, the architect of the strategy said, but by rethinking the entire energy system. And, he said, other countries could do that too.

How much of Uruguay's energy comes from fossil fuels?

Back then, he said, about half of Uruguay’s energy mix came from imported fossil fuels, at a cost that at times exceeded 2% of GDP. The country was also experiencing some energy shortages.

What percentage of energy is generated by biomass in Uruguay?

In 2021, biomass represented 41 percent of the total energy supply in Uruguay, while oil and its derivatives were responsible for 42 percent. Uruguay’s high percentage of biomass energy generation is a result of cellulose industry expansion where energy is generated from wood waste products.

How many hydroelectric plants are there in Uruguay?

Uruguay’s hydroelectric generation capacity is 1,500 megawatts (MW) from four hydroelectric plants: Salto Grande (Salto), Palmar/Constitución (Rio Negro/Soriano), Rincón del Bonete (Tacuarembó/Durazno) and Baygorria (Rio Negro/Durazno).