Electricity in Uruguay in 2023

In 2023, Uruguay generated a total of 9.69 TWh of low-carbon electricity. The bulk of this clean energy came from wind and hydropower, which contributed around 4.73 TWh and 3.44 TWh respectively. The remainder of the low-carbon energy was split among net imports and biofuels, contributing roughly 1.16 TWh and 1.13 TWh respectively. Compared to the global average of 410 watts per person, Uruguay's power generation is rather low. This situation has consequential effects, such as forcing the reliance on power imports and inhibiting industrial development due to the restricted availability of electricity.

Suggestions

To augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Uruguay can consider expanding its existing wind energy infrastructure, since this form of clean energy already contributes the most to its energy mix. The country can look towards nations that have successfully harnessed wind power on a large scale for inspiration. For instance, the People's Republic of China, Germany, and Brazil have managed to generate 964 TWh, 142 TWh, and 94 TWh respectively from wind energy. These countries offer a roadmap for Uruguay on how to optimally utilize wind energy.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Uruguay is marked by fluctuations in hydropower generation since the 1980s. In the early 1980s, there was a slight increase in generation, with hydropower increasing by 2.2 TWh in both 1980 and 1983. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw both increases and decreases, with a significant drop of 1.8 TWh in 1988 being followed by an increase of 3.1TWh in 1990. This trend continued, with the early 2000s experiencing similar ups and downs. However, the most notable decrease occurred in 2020, with a drop of 4 TWh from the previous year. Despite these fluctuations, hydropower has remained a significant part of Uruguay's low-carbon electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources