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Uruguay's leap into renewable energy: a model for the world

Uruguay has nearly eliminated fossil fuels in electricity production, showcasing a successful transition to renewable energy.

Sam Meadows reports for The Guardian.

In short:

  • Uruguay, once heavily reliant on imported oil, now generates up to 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind power.
  • The transformation, led by physicist Ramón Méndez Galain, involved installing about 50 windfarms.
  • This shift not only reduced dependency on fossil fuels but also created approximately 50,000 new jobs, demonstrating a successful model for other countries.

Key quote:

"I told people this was the best option even if they don't believe climate change exists. It's the cheapest and not dependent on crazy fluctuations [in oil prices]."

— Ramón Méndez Galain, former Uruguayan Energy Secretary

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate, and health.

www.theguardian.com
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