Economy, Energy

Most rivers and falls with potential energy are located far from industrial centers, but despite these technical limitations water resources are being developed in Argentina at a rapid rate. Major hydroelectric projects undertaken in the 1970s and 1980s were located in northern Patagonia, the Yacyreta Dam and other sites on the Parana River, and on the Uruguay River (in cooperation with Uruguay). The first of 20 generators at Yacyreta was activated in 1994. While most electricity is generated by hydroelectric or thermal power plants, Argentina has one of the most advanced nuclear programs in Latin America, providing 9 percent of the country’s electrical needs. Overall, 77.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity were generated in 1999.