In 2024, electricity consumption in Argentina heavily relies on fossil fuels, with almost 58% of electricity generated from these sources. Gas plays a significant role, contributing to around 51% of the energy mix, while oil accounts for about 6%. On the brighter side, low-carbon energy sources make up more than a third of Argentina's electricity, with hydropower leading at approximately 16%, followed by wind at 10%, and nuclear at nearly 7%. However, solar energy still plays a minor role, providing just over 2% of the country's electricity. While biofuels and net imports contribute marginally, it's imperative that these contributions are boosted, particularly in low-carbon technologies, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Argentina?
Currently, Argentina's electricity consumption is experiencing a setback rather than growth. With the latest consumption data at 3414 kWh per person, this figure falls short of the 2016 record of 3569 kWh per person, showing a decrease of around 156 kWh per person. The diminishing trends extend to low-carbon electricity generation, which has dropped to 1253 kWh per person in 2024, down from 1293 kWh per person in 2023. This pattern signifies a missed opportunity for growth in clean energy adoption, crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Argentina can focus on expanding wind power, which already contributes significantly to the energy mix. Additionally, the country should capitalize on the experiences of countries with robust solar and nuclear energy sectors. For example, looking towards France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for 68% and 62% of electricity, respectively, can be beneficial. Similarly, enhancing solar energy capacity by learning from countries like Lebanon, where solar energy comprises 31% of their electricity, can propel Argentina toward a greater share of clean energy. By strategically targeting these areas and learning from successful regions, Argentina can move towards a more sustainable and reliable electricity system.
History
Historically, Argentina has experienced fluctuating trends in low-carbon electricity production, especially in hydropower. During the early 1980s and 1990s, there were significant increases, but these were often followed by declines, as seen in 1988, 1996, and 1999. The early 2000s witnessed notable positive shifts, particularly in 2000 and 2001, although these were tempered by downturns in subsequent years. In more recent years, wind energy has shown promising growth since 2019, suggesting an encouraging trajectory for this sector. However, the inconsistencies in hydropower emphasize the need for steady and strategic planning to stabilize and grow Argentina's low-carbon electricity outputs, emphasizing nuclear and solar energy as pivotal components of future advances.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.