The Uruguay way: achieving energy sovereignty in the developing world

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🗞️ Driving the news: Uruguay has transformed its energy landscape, generating up to 98% of its electricity from renewable sources
• This shift has positioned Uruguay as a global exemplar in transitioning away from fossil fuels, with significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy sovereignty bolstered by community engagement

🔭 The context: Starting with wind energy, Uruguay rapidly expanded into solar and biomass, avoiding nuclear power entirely
• The country's journey from a net importer of energy to a surplus energy exporter to neighbors like Brazil and Argentina showcases a successful blend of state ownership and private investment in renewable infrastructure

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Uruguay's transition highlights the potential for countries to achieve energy independence and significantly lower carbon footprints through renewable sources
• This move towards sustainable energy is critical for global efforts to combat climate change and meet international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

⏭️ What's next: Uruguay's model, emphasizing public-private partnerships and supportive regulatory environments, offers a blueprint for other nations
• However, replicating this success requires acknowledging the unique factors that facilitated Uruguay's transition, including its geographical advantages and the cohesive political and social framework

💬 One quote: "In dry years...cost overruns could be as high as $1 billion. And for a small economy like Uruguay, this is 2% of GDP," – Ramón Mendéz Galain, highlighting the economic impact of renewable energy transition on Uruguay

📈 One stat: "98% of its electricity from renewable sources," underscores Uruguay's remarkable achievement in transitioning to sustainable energy, setting a high bar for renewable energy adoption worldwide

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