# Uruguay renewable energy and electric vehicle transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uruguay-renewable-energy-and-electric-vehicle-transition
> Updated: 2026-10-26T05:16:12.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Uruguay has undergone a significant energy transformation, moving from a period of crisis and high prices in 2008 toward energy independence. Through strategic planning, new regulations, and approximately seven billion US dollars in investment, the country has built an electricity matrix dominated by hydropower (50 percent), wind (30 percent), biomass (15 percent), and solar (3 percent), leaving fossil fuels to account for only about two percent of generation.

This transition has extended into the transportation sector, where electric vehicles (EVs) reached a 69 percent market share in September, up from 27 percent the previous year. This shift has led to a 20 percent drop in fuel sales in the metropolitan area and Maldonado. In response to these changes, the Union of Gasoline Sellers of Uruguay (Unvenu) has proposed that the government equalize taxes between electric and combustion vehicles to mitigate the economic impact on fuel sellers.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Electric vehicle growth impacts fuel sales in Uruguay

Electric vehicles accounted for 69% of car sales in Uruguay in September, causing a 20% drop in fuel sales in key regions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electric-vehicle-growth-impacts-fuel-sales-in-uruguay

### 2026-10-20: Uruguay achieves energy independence through renewable transition

Since an energy crisis in 2008, Uruguay has transitioned to a nearly green electricity matrix, now powered by 98 percent renewable sources including wind, hydro, biomass, and solar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-achieves-energy-independence-through-renewable-transition

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Cite as: Uruguay renewable energy and electric vehicle transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uruguay-renewable-energy-and-electric-vehicle-transition