The role of biomass in Uruguay’s energy transformation

摘要

Uruguay has experienced a real energy revolution. The country, radically transformed in a little more than a decade the way in which it supplies energy to its internal market and its positioning in the region. The incorporation of wind energy and photovoltaic solar energy are systematically associated with this transformation, while the role that the electricity generation from biomass has played during this period is almost unknown. Perhaps the most relevant result in relation to biomass can be summarized with the following data: for the first time in recent history, in 2016, the share of -domestic and renewable - biomass exceeded the share of imported fossil resources in the primary energy supply mix. This paper analyzes the main milestones the use of biomass has had in Uruguay, with special focus on electricity generation from this resource and the main challenges this activity currently faces and the ones expected to have in the future.