Currently, Argentina's electricity consumption, from the time frame of September 2024 to August 2025, is heavily reliant on a mix of energy sources, with fossil fuels supplying just over half of the electricity at approximately 53%. Natural gas is the primary source within this category, contributing around 50%, while coal and net imports make up a small percentage of the remaining share. In contrast, green energy sources, or low-carbon energy, account for about 46% of the total electricity consumption. This includes significant contributions from hydropower, providing nearly a quarter of the electricity, and wind, which adds another 12%. Additionally, nuclear energy generates around 6%, coupled with solar and biofuels, delivering small yet important shares. This diverse mix indicates a substantial reliance on fossil fuels but also highlights a meaningful commitment to clean energy options.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Argentina?
Despite the notable share of low-carbon electricity in the overall mix, there is a concerning trend of stagnation or decline in electricity consumption and especially in low-carbon generation. The latest numbers show total electricity consumption at 3154 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 416 kWh per person from the peak in 2016. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a decrease from the previous year's peak, from 1536 to 1445 kWh per person. These declines suggest that while Argentina remains committed to developing its energy infrastructure, there is significant room for improvement to meet future demands and promote a sustainable and low-carbon future. This reduction in consumption and low-carbon generation is disappointing, as it may hinder the electrification ambitions and reduce the growth potential required to support long-term development.
Suggestions
To address these challenges and increase the share of low-carbon electricity, Argentina can enhance its existing wind projects, further capitalizing on this already significant contributor to the energy mix. Still, there is also considerable potential in expanding solar and nuclear energy production. Drawing inspiration from successful regions, Argentina could look to leverage the solar developments of countries like Lebanon and Nevada that themselves generate close to a third with solar energy. Furthermore, Argentina could emulate the nuclear strategies of France, Slovakia, and Illinois, which have effectively integrated nuclear energy, contributing more than half of their electricity. By fostering growth in these areas, Argentina can solidify a more sustainable energy future and reap the benefits of both clean and reliable power sources.
History
Evaluating the historical context of Argentina's low-carbon electricity development reveals a pattern of fluctuations over the decades. In the early years, particularly the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower played a significant role, with notable increases during select years despite some setbacks. From the late 1990s through the early 2000s, hydropower continued to see growth with intermittent drops. A notable slowdown in hydro occurred from 2007 onward, with some recovery in 2013. More recently, the development of wind energy in 2020 and 2021 marked a positive shift toward diversifying low-carbon sources. The most recent trends show a decline in hydropower in 2025 after a substantial increase in 2023, underlining the need for consistent growth in diverse low-carbon technologies to secure a stable and sustainable energy future for Argentina.
