Electricity in Argentina in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Argentina's electricity consumption has seen a relatively balanced mix between fossil energy sources and low-carbon alternatives. More than half of the country's electricity, around 52%, is sourced from fossil fuels, with natural gas being the dominant source at about 45%, followed by oil contributing roughly 6%. On the other hand, Argentina is also making significant strides in low-carbon electricity, producing close to half of its power from clean sources. Hydropower leads as a significant low-carbon contributor at approximately 25%, while wind energy accounts for about 11%. Nuclear power provides nearly 8% of the electricity, and solar energy contributes around 3%. Biofuels, while included in the low-carbon category, make up a smaller portion at around 2%. This electricity mix indicates that Argentina is already making efforts to transition towards sustainable energy, though there is room for further growth in the low-carbon sector.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Argentina could focus on expanding its wind energy infrastructure, as it already plays a vital role in the country's clean energy mix. Looking at global examples, the success of Denmark and Uruguay—where wind energy makes up 59% and 33% of electricity production, respectively—provides valuable insights into how a strong focus on wind power can drive a significant shift toward sustainability. Additionally, Argentina could explore nuclear energy, as illustrated by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides 68% and 60% of electricity, respectively. Emulating these nations, Argentina could further enhance its nuclear capacity, serving as a robust complement to its hydropower and wind resources, and drastically cut down on fossil fuel use, reducing the detrimental impacts of climate change and air pollution.

History

In assessing the historical evolution of Argentina's low-carbon electricity generation, a pattern of fluctuations is evident, particularly within hydropower. During the 1980s, significant gains, such as the 4.5 TWh increase in 1980, were offset by declines, like the 6.7 TWh decrease in 1988. The 1990s experienced similar variances, with years like 1997 seeing a 5.5 TWh increase, followed by drops like 1999's 5.1 TWh decrease. Over the early 2000s, periods of growth and decline continued, as seen in 2000 with a 7.2 TWh surge and in 2007 with a 6.8 TWh decline. More recently, wind energy entered the scene notably in 2019 with a 3.6 TWh increase and continued strong growth in 2020 with an additional 4.4 TWh. The recent increase in hydropower, peaking in 2023 and 2024 with gains of 7.1 TWh and 6.5 TWh, respectively, reflects a renewed focus on clean energy. While nuclear does not appear in the historical data provided, given the positive global models, it stands as a vital opportunity for further development in Argentina's energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources