Alternative Energy Potential in Argentina

Alternative Energy is a hot topic world wide at present. However, for many countries the use of fossil fuels is still a cheap enough option that alternatives have not implemented on large scales. Furthermore, countries have natural limitations such as terrain or climate that force limitations to the generation of power from alternative energy sources.

Argentina, on the other hand, is a country that enjoys a choice of various types of energy that are currently making waves.

Argentina has a land surface area of 2,766,890 square kilometers (1,068,302 square miles) and a coastline of 4,989 kilometers (3,100 miles). The country stretches 3,650 kilometers (2,268 miles) from north to south and 1,430 kilometers (889 miles) from east to west.

Argentina’s climate ranges from subtropical in the North to subantarctic in the South with many of the polar expeditions being launched from here.

The vast size, range of climates and range of geography types provide ample opportunity to explore nearly all forms of electrical power generation. Many have been implemented already and as the drive towards green energy grows, newer technologies are sure to find a home in Argentina.

A number of large rivers provide a supply for large dams, and hydro-electric power stations are fairly common place. Wind energy is another resource that is freely available due to the country’s geography.

Solar energy is also abundant with most of the country experiencing many sunshine days a year. Presently this technology is limited to more remote locations.

Argentina holds a lot of potential to become a large producer of Bio Fuel. Large tracts of arable land allow a massive farming industry. The country has an abundance of natural gas reserves. Even so, bio gas developments are already being explored.

Argentina is also a country with large geothermal potential. Thanks to the fault line running along the edge of the South American plate there is an abundance of active volcanoes and geysers with electricity generation potential.