Is Uruguay a repeatable framework of energy sovereignty for developing countries?

Ramón Mendéz Galain believes so. Uruguay’s former national director of energy in the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, who was the impetus for the country’s shift away from dirty fuels, has been promoting the country’s success as a repeatable framework of energy sovereignty for developing countries.

Is Uruguay a net importer of energy?

Once a net importer of energy, Uruguay now exports its surplus energy to neighbouring Brazil and Argentina. In less than two decades, Uruguay broke free of its dependence on oil imports and carbon emitting power generation, transitioning to renewable energy that is owned by the state but with infrastructure paid for by private investment.

Which energy infrastructure changes have made the most impact in Uruguay?

While these projects are impressive, it is the country’s creation of larger energy infrastructure changes that have made the most impact. In the decade leading up to 2017, forward-looking policies and projects took Uruguay from having virtually no wind power to nearly 4,000 megawatts of installed capacity.

What are the fiscal incentives for renewables in Uruguay?

The framework for fiscal incentives for renewables in Uruguay was provided by laws established as early as 1998 and significant income tax reductions for renewable electricity generation, renewable energy service providers and manufacturing of renewable energy equipment.

How much wind power does Uruguay have?

In the decade leading up to 2017, forward-looking policies and projects took Uruguay from having virtually no wind power to nearly 4,000 megawatts of installed capacity. Today it is one of the world leaders in wind power production, alongside Denmark, Ireland and Germany, with more than a third of its electricity coming from wind farms.

Why did Uruguay start using wind turbines?

Avoiding nuclear power entirely, Uruguay first embraced wind turbines as a source of cheap, reliable power; providing 40% of the country’s capacity in less than a decade.