Energy Academy JUNIOR GRID EXPLORER

How does Argentina get its Spark?

The Fossil Story

Argentina's electricity grid was built on natural gas — the country sits on the massive Vaca Muerta shale reserve. Today, gas and oil-fired plants still produce roughly 42% of all electricity. When you turn on a heater in winter, there's a good chance that gas is being burned somewhere in Buenos Aires to power it.

The problem? Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the atmosphere. Argentina's grid emits an average of 310 gCO₂ per kWh — meaning every unit of electricity you consume has a hidden carbon cost.

42.5% of electricity from thermal (gas + oil) sources

The Natural Force

But Argentina is also blessed with incredible renewable resources. Patagonia's winds are among the strongest on Earth. The Andean northwest (NOA) gets blazing solar irradiance. And the great rivers — Paraná, Uruguay — drive some of South America's largest hydroelectric dams.

Together, wind, solar, and hydro already produce over half the grid's electricity on good days. The goal? Reach 30% renewables by 2030 under Law 27.191.

Hydro
26.3%
Wind
14.8%
Solar
8.2%
Low CO₂
~12 gCO₂/kWh
vs
High CO₂
~370 gCO₂/kWh

Your 12-Month Energy Calculator

Enter your monthly electricity bill (in ARS pesos) to discover your household carbon footprint.

Currency: ARS $

Your Impact Dashboard

FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENT RENEWABLE PIONEER
Your Household Footprint
kg CO₂/year
Monthly Carbon Intensity
High carbon
Low carbon
Did you know?

Argentina's wind capacity factor in Patagonia (45%+) rivals the best offshore wind farms in Europe. If the transmission grid can keep up, the country could reach 50% renewable electricity by 2035.