With an electricity mix fed by approximately 94% renewable sources, Uruguay is already a decarbonisation pioneer. But while 46% of those sources are hydropower, 27% comes from the wind and 19% is sourced from biofuels, only 2% is provided by solar. To ensure this mix remains as clean as possible in the face of growing electricity demand, the next phase of Uruguay’s energy transition is about to begin: major solar expansion.

According to Arianna Spinelli, national director of energy at Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM), “models have been developed in the country to draw up generation expansion plans that indicate the most suitable sources to be installed. These show future expansions in electricity generation should mainly come from photovoltaic and wind power.”

A 2019 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency described Uruguay’s geographical and temporal characteristics as making solar and wind highly complementary: solar power generation peaks during the day, while wind peaks at night. Spinelli says this is a crucial combination in cementing the resilience of Uruguay’s electricity system.

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