Snapshot: Uruguay clean energy projects seeking environmental green light

Environmental permitting documentation corresponding to clean energy projects was submitted for review in Uruguay last half, according to environment ministry information.

Last year, following regulatory changes, the first corporate power-purchase agreement (PPA) between private parties was announced in Uruguay. Under the agreement, beverage company Coca-Cola Femsa Uruguay obtains clean power from the 10MW Albisu plant in Salto department, via a deal with global renewables generator Atlantica. 

Along with traditional corporate offtake for powering the likes of factories, green hydrogen and e-fuels production is another potential driver of new private renewables capacity in Uruguay.

The projects filed last half join others submitted to authorities in 2023. 

The biggest green hydrogen industry project in Uruguay is HIF Global’s US$3.99 billion Paysandú department e-fuels initiative, which involves a 2GW solar PV and wind complex to power its operations.

ALSO READ: Uruguay’s power generation state of play, hydrogen projects

The Teyma, Enertrag, Salto Ángel, Las Marías and Palos Blancos generation projects, mention green hydrogen plant electricity supply in their respective documentation. The Kahirós project comprises a renewables plant and an associated electrolyzer system, targeting the forestry industry.

In related news, state utility UTE, which holds a virtual power sector monopoly, was due to open on Monday bids for 25MW solar PV farm Punta del Tigre, earmarked for San José department. UTE has previously said it would launch this year tenders for solar PV parks with required investment of around US$100 million in San José and Cerro Largo departments. One is Punta del Tigre.

Uruguay is working to increase electrification of the economy, with grid connection, distributed generation, electromobility and smart meters key pillars. An associated goal is weaning the heavy transport sector, particularly forestry trucks, off diesel and using green hydrogen instead.

Project: Yaguarí
Type: 120MW solar PV
Location: Tacuarembó department
Project owner: Maulet

Project: Enertrag Uruguay solar park
Type: 110MW solar PV
Location: Paysandú department
Project owner: Enertrag Uruguay

Project: Aguaí solar PV park
Type: 175MW solar PV
Location: Paysandú department
Project owner: Teyma

Project: Kahirós
Type: 3MW solar PV and 2MW electrolyzer (green hydrogen)
Location: Río Negro department
Project owner: Naspuy

Project: Salto Ángel
Type: 45MW solar PV
Location: Salto department
Project owner: Williams Gottlieb

Project: Las Marías
Type: 95MW solar PV
Location: Cerro Largo department
Project owner: Williams Gottlieb

Project: Los Teros
Type: 310MW wind, 300MW solar PV
Location: Paysandú, Salto, Tacuarembó departments
Project owner: Narely

Project: Palos Blancos
Type: 68.2MW wind, 61.5MW solar PV
Location: San José department
Project owner: Williams Gottlieb