Electricity in Argentina in 2023/2024

In August 2023 to July 2024, Argentina's electricity consumption shows a significant, albeit almost equal, split between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Approximately 51% of the electricity is generated from clean, low-carbon sources, including hydropower (28%), wind (11%), nuclear (8%), solar (2%), and biofuels (almost 2%). Nearly 48% of the electricity comes from fossil fuels, predominantly natural gas (44%), followed by oil (about 4%). This balanced mix demonstrates Argentina's commitment to green energy, with a slight edge over fossil fuels, reflecting a broader global trend towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Argentina can capitalize on expanding its wind and solar infrastructure. Given its geographical advantages, such as windy plains and sunny regions, Argentina can model its strategies on successful countries with similar resources. Denmark generates over 60% of its electricity from wind power, providing an inspiring example for wind energy expansion. Uruguay, a neighboring country, also creates 36% of its electricity from wind power. Additionally, countries like Greece and Chile, which generate 22% and 21% of their electricity from solar power, respectively, demonstrate that significant gains in solar electricity are achievable. By studying and implementing the best practices from these nations, Argentina can further enhance its clean energy portfolio.

History

Argentina's journey in low-carbon electricity generation reveals a dynamic history, particularly in hydropower and wind energy. The early 1980s saw an initial boost in hydropower with a 4.5 TWh increase in 1980, followed by fluctuations through the following decades, including significant declines in 1988 and 1999. The turn of the century marked a notable growth in hydropower, peaking again with an 8 TWh increase in 2001. Wind energy has shown consistent progress since 2019, with an increase of 3.6 TWh that year, followed by 4.4 TWh in 2020. More recently, in 2023/2024, a substantial 11 TWh boost in hydropower has reaffirmed its critical role. These historical trends underscore the importance of sustained investment and the potential for significant clean energy advancements in Argentina's electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources