The president of the state-owned Administración Nacional de Usinas y Transmisiones Eléctricas (UTE), Silvia Emaldi, said that so far energy sales to neighboring countries, particularly Argentina, total 70 million dollars.

She pointed out that this has been possible due to the recovery of water reserves after the severe drought that occurred during 2023.

Hydroelectric plants have been responsible for 50% of the country’s electricity generation, she said.

The official headed the UTE stand at the Expo Prado Rural 2024, the largest national fair with emphasis on agricultural production and technologies and a benchmark for the Uruguayan countryside.

Emaldi referred to UTE’s support to various agricultural sectors, both in irrigation, dairy production and small and medium-sized companies, including preferential rates.

Regarding electrification, he said that at the beginning of the current government a study found 4,600 homes without access to the network in remote areas.

Today we are 500 homes away from reaching 100% electrification in Uruguay, he added.

He said that by February this public company should meet the goal, either through the installation of photovoltaic solar kits or the extension of the networks.

He commented that investments are being made for the construction of larger solar farms, which will be accompanied by more wind generation capacity.

ef/arm/mem/oo