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.

Why does Uruguay have a power grid?

In the same way Uruguay’s abundance of wind and rivers proved fortuitous for energy sovereignty, so was the government’s oversight of the electric grid.

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.

What can we learn from Uruguay's transition?

What Can We Learn From Uruguay’s Transition? Energy sovereignty is the right and the ability for communities to control and develop their energy systems in the way they decide, unbeholden to private interests or external pressures that would undermine that right.

How has Uruguay managed a technical transition?

Uruguay has managed a technical transition conscientious of its people, the future of climate change, and the economic challenges of investing in large-scale, capital-intensive infrastructure.

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.