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Uruguay Key Figures

Population:
3.42 million
GDP growth rate:
4.92 %/year
Energy independence:
57.0%

Data of the last year available: 2022

Total consumption/GDP:*
109 (2005=100)
CO2 Emissions:
2.11 tCO2/capita
Rate of T&D power losses:
9.96%

* at purchasing power parity

View all macro and energy indicators in the Uruguay energy report

Uruguay Related Research

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

A data overview is available in the global energy statistics app

Total Energy Consumption

The average primary energy consumption per capita stood at 1.6 toe in 2022, including around 3 400 kWh/cap of electricity.

Total energy consumption remained stable in 2022 (5.5 Mtoe), after strong growth in 2021 (+7%) and stability over 2018-2020.

Oil remains the primary energy source in the total energy mix, accounting for 44% in 2022, down from 49% in 2010. Biomass follows closely, representing 40% in 2022, up from 33% in 2010; it is mainly used in industry (80%). The share of renewables (including hydro) increased from 50% in 2010 to 55% in 2022.

Interactive Chart Uruguay Total Energy Consumption

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

View the detailed fondamentals of the market at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the Uruguay energy report

Crude Oil Production

Most of the oil imports consist of crude oil. The only refinery in the country, Teja, has a capacity of 50 kb/d. In 2022, the volume of crude oil processed reached 2 Mtoe. Oil came mostly from the USA (78%) and Nigeria (19%) Imports of oil products in 2022 were low (0.5 Mt of net imports).

Interactive Chart Uruguay Crude Oil Production

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our America Refineries Dataset

Renewable in % Electricity Production

The target set in the National Energy Policy 2005-2030 to reach a 50% share of renewables in total primary consumption in 2015 (compared with 35% in 2005) was achieved in 2014 with renewables accounting for 53% of the primary consumption; the additional goal of 1.2 GW of wind capacity was reached in 2016.

Measures set to promote renewables include calls for tenders for renewables and a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme for wind.

Foreign investments in renewables are made through the Investment, Export, and Country Brand Agency.

Interactive Chart Uruguay Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)

Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data

CO2 Fuel Combustion/CO2 Emissions

In its updated NDC (2022), the country established an unconditional cap on energy-related emissions of 9.3 MtCO2 by 2030 and an additional effort of 0.96 MtCO2 conditional on aid. In its first NDC (2017), Uruguay targeted a 24% reduction in CO2 energy-related emissions by 2025 compared to 1990 levels (29% with international aid). The NDC also included targets for other GHG.

In 2019, Uruguay committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.