Does Uruguay have solar power?

While only about two percent of Uruguay’s total energy production comes from solar sources currently, the potential for solar power in Uruguay is encouraging given the country receives an average of 1,700 KW per square meter of sunlight each year.

How does Uruguay get its electricity?

To this day, Uruguay continues to rely heavily on its dams, including the imposing Salto Grande on the Río Uruguay, whose power is shared with Argentina, and several on the Río Negro. For decades, electricity from those dams and from generators running on gas and oil imported largely from Argentina and Brazil met Uruguayans’ energy needs.

How many wind power plants are there in Uruguay?

Existing plants are Terra (152 MW), Baygorria (108 MW), Constitucion (333 MW) and the bi-national Salto Grande, with a total capacity of 1,890 MW. Uruguay has a favorable climate for generating electricity through wind power. Installed wind power capacity reached 1,000 MW by 2016, generating 17% of the country's electricity.

Why does Uruguay have a power grid?

In the same way Uruguay’s abundance of wind and rivers proved fortuitous for energy sovereignty, so was the government’s oversight of the electric grid.

How did Uruguay get its power?

It wasn’t until the advent of hydroelectric power at the end of the 19th century that the country was able to use its rivers to help meet its power needs. To this day, Uruguay continues to rely heavily on its dams, including the imposing Salto Grande on the Río Uruguay, whose power is shared with Argentina, and several on the Río Negro.

Does Uruguay have a Green Power Revolution?

This article appears in the April 2025 issue, with the headline “Uruguay’s Green Power Revolution.” Much of the vast landscape of Uruguay remains true to its historical image—down to the lone gaucho roaming the pampas. But there have been some notable additions.