The **Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM)** presented the **National Energy Balance (BEN) 2024**, positioning **Uruguay** as a global reference in **clean energy**.
The report reveals that the country managed to supply its **electricity demand with 99% from renewable sources**, while **carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂)** were reduced by **90% compared to 2023**, reaching the **lowest level in two decades**.
The **CO₂ emission factor** of the electricity grid was only **6 tons per gigawatt hour**, consolidating one of the **cleanest energy matrices in the world**.
## Increase in energy consumption: a data that requires analysis
Despite environmental progress, the BEN 2024 recorded a **14% increase in final energy consumption**, which caught the attention of authorities.
“We have to analyze where this increase is coming from, but having this information allows us to make a sector-by-sector diagnosis,” explained **Ariana Spinelli**, National Director of Energy.
According to **Alejandra Reyes**, Coordinator of Planning and Balance, the **industrial sector** was the main driver of growth. “Only 1% of electricity generation came from fossil sources, reinforcing our leadership in renewable energy,” she highlighted.
## Energy independence and resilience in the international market
Domestic sources reduce emissions and strengthen **energy sovereignty**.
The results of BEN 2024 emphasize the **energy independence** achieved by Uruguay thanks to the **massive incorporation of renewable energies**.
“These sources not only reduce emissions but are also domestic, protecting us from **international price fluctuations**,” said Reyes.
## Towards a second energy transition
The Minister of MIEM, **Fernanda Cardona**, celebrated the country’s historical leadership in clean energy: “**Uruguay set the path years ago. Today we supply almost 100% of electricity demand from renewable sources**.” However, she warned that the country must move towards a **second energy transition**, involving:
– Decarbonization of the industrial sector
– Strong push for electric mobility
– Deepening of solar power as a strategic axis
“All public policy requires timely diagnosis and planning. Solar power must be strengthened now, not tomorrow,” Cardona emphasized.
## International recognition
The **International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)** highlighted the **Uruguayan model** and praised the bidding system carried out by the state electricity company, UTE, as examples to follow in their guide for designing auctions. The participation of private entities through **innovative promotion schemes** without depending on direct subsidies was highlighted.
