Montevideo Solar Power Plant Role

Why is Uruguay a'relative energy sovereignty'?

Once reliant on exorbitantly priced fossil fuel imports for nearly half of its energy needs, Uruguay has gone from suffering frequent blackouts and power cuts to relative energy sovereignty based almost entirely on electricity generated from a stable mix of wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy sources.

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.

Does Uruguay have a Green Power Revolution?

This article appears in the April 2025 issue, with the headline “Uruguay’s Green Power Revolution.” Much of the vast landscape of Uruguay remains true to its historical image—down to the lone gaucho roaming the pampas. But there have been some notable additions.

Should Uruguay transition to renewables?

Since 2019, energy has become a significant export for Uruguay, with some years bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. In most of the world, when anyone mentions the need to transition to renewables, climate change dominates the public discussion.