Could Patagonia's Wind Power Argentina?

Filed in archive Wind on December 27, 2009

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Renewable Energy World has a detailed assessment of the potential of wind energy in Southern Argentina. Patagonia, with its wind-swept plateaus that climb into the Southern Andes mountains, has a lot of potential for wind energy. While it might provide the best conditions in the country, many other locations in Argentina are suitable for wind generation.

And yet, despite periodic energy shortfalls, as of yet wind only contributes a minuscule 0.21% to the energy mix, with a total of 30 MW installed. Hampered by a lack of incentives, government intervention in the energy markets and access to finance; wind power failed to take off up to now. However, at last there are very encouraging signs of momentum.

Argentina has tightly regulated its energy industry since the economy collapsed there in 2001. But subsidizing citizens' energy bills is becoming unmanagable for the government. Argentina could be on the verge of freeing up its energy economy. And wind energy could be one sector that finally grows.