Uruguay has become a world leader by achieving 98% renewable ENERGY. Understand the policies and investments involved.
While many countries are still making promises to adopt renewable energy, Uruguay has already achieved an impressive milestone: 98% of its electricity comes from clean sources.
The small South American country, neighboring the Brazil, with 3,5 million inhabitants, known for its beef production, stood out worldwide for transforming its energy sector into one of the most sustainable on the planet.
According to information published by outlets such as Fast Company and Yale Climate Connections, this achievement was not at all easy.
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First challenges faced by Uruguay
Journalist Luis Prats, from the newspaper El País, in Montevideo, recalls the difficulties faced by the population a few decades ago. “More than 50 years ago, our energy came from just two small dams and a thermal power plant.”, he says.
"Whenever there was a drought in Rio Negro, we suffered from blackouts and electricity restrictions.”These difficulties showed the urgent need for a safer and more sustainable system.
According to the World Resources Institute, in 2007, fossil fuels represented more than 30% of the Uruguayan energy matrix.
How could this number be reduced to just 2% in less than two decades? The answer lay in investing in renewable energy, with a focus on wind power.
Bet on wind energy
The change began in 2008, when Uruguay was experiencing accelerated economic growth, but the energy supply was not keeping up with demand.
The result? More blackouts and higher electricity bills. Professor Ramón Méndez Galain, architect of the country's new energy model, saw the crisis as an opportunity.
Appointed national energy director, he developed a strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and exploit the country's wind potential.
With vast, sparsely populated rural areas, the country has installed hundreds of wind turbines, converting fields into veritable clean energy plants.
Public-private partnership was essential
Inspired by the model adopted by Brazil, Méndez Galain proposed a public-private partnership model. Private companies were responsible for installing the turbines, while the state-owned UTE was in charge of distribution.
To attract investors, UTE committed to purchasing all the energy generated for 20 years at fixed prices, ensuring business security.
The strategy worked. Today, almost 700 wind turbines are spread across the country. Montevideo resident Alda Novell celebrates the results: “Electricity bills have become cheaper."
Since 2010, blackouts have become rare and the country has reduced spending on importing fossil fuels.
Positive economic and environmental impact
The transition to renewable energy has brought many benefits. In addition to reducing costs for consumers and businesses, the shift has created jobs and helped the economy grow sustainably.
Pragma Industries, a specialist in renewable technologies, highlighted the Uruguayan model as a global benchmark. “The partnership between the government and private companies was essential to the success of this transformation,” said a company spokesperson.
Next steps for the energy future
Despite having already achieved 98% renewable electricity, Uruguay does not want to stop there. The country continues to invest in solar energy and seek storage solutions to ensure a stable supply.
As Luis Prats points out, “Difference is everywhere — from the turbines dotted across the countryside to the reliable power supply we use every day.. "
Uruguay's experience shows that it is possible to transform the energy matrix with planning, strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability.
With a focus on wind power, the country has managed to ensure cleaner, more reliable and affordable electricity for all. The Uruguayan example serves as an inspiration for other countries seeking a more sustainable energy future.
With information from Yale.
Here they are doing the opposite. They are donating billions of reais to the FRIENDS OF THE KING, those from Goiás, to acquire thermoelectric plants. They are also thinking of resurrecting COAL PLANTS in Rio Grande do Sul, spending billions of reais, just to preserve jobs. All financed at zero interest, with money looted from the taxpayer. Where is our deputy? Does he only show up on the eve of the election?