Uruguay solar power system proposal

Is Uruguay a repeatable framework of energy sovereignty for developing countries?

Ramón Mendéz Galain believes so. Uruguay’s former national director of energy in the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, who was the impetus for the country’s shift away from dirty fuels, has been promoting the country’s success as a repeatable framework of energy sovereignty for developing countries.

Why did Uruguay start using wind turbines?

Avoiding nuclear power entirely, Uruguay first embraced wind turbines as a source of cheap, reliable power; providing 40% of the country’s capacity in less than a decade.

Does Uruguay export energy to Brazil and Argentina?

Once a net importer of energy, Uruguay now exports its surplus energy to neighbouring Brazil and Argentina. Help us continue providing unbiased, in-depth coverage on climate change. Your donation ensures our newsroom remains independent and free from corporate influence.

Why did Uruguay turn to the Ute?

Instead, Uruguay turned to the UTE, empowering the entity to issue competitive bidding contracts to energy companies in the form of Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs) to attract direct investment – as well as international expertise in wind and solar technology.

Who were Uruguay's allies in the transition?

Unexpected allies in the transition were the labour groups that worked in generating plants run on fossil fuels that were set to be decommissioned. But Uruguay’s history of labour rights meant the government was ready to engage with unions early in the transition to reduce the negative effects of plant closures.