Saturday, February 12, 2011

Argentina looks to wind for the answer to its energy woes


Argentina looks to wind for the answer to its energy woes

BY ADRIAN PAZ




In 2004, Argentina received a wake up call. The Latin American nation experienced a deep energy crisis as a result of a shortage in natural gas caused by the demand for energy skyrocketing and outstripping supply. Since then the country has made a conscious effort to diversify its energy sources, with wind power attracting particular attention.

The country’s chamber of renewable energy (CADER) believes Argentina has a huge wind power potential. This is supported by a report by the National University of Comahue which said the country’s Patagonia region could generate round 200 GW from wind power.
But Argentina is currently taking advantage of a mere 2 per cent of this potential.