Brasília – Increasing the use of renewable energies is the goal of the Mercosur countries, according to public and private energy sector delegates who attended the 1st Mercosur Business Forum this Frida (7th). According to businessmen and government officials, the bloc’s member nations have untapped potentials and the supply capacity to ensure the continent’s development, guarantee sovereignty, and diversify energy sources.
The president of Galvão Energia, Otávio Silveira, said Brazil has the potential to produce three times as much wind power as it does at this time. According to him, from 2002 to 2009, wind turbines capable of generating 8,000 megawatts were installed in the country. Thermal energy generation increased by 7 gigawatts from 2010 to 2012.
In Argentina, a plan is underway to increase the use of more sustainable energy sources. According to the secretary of Energy of the country’s Ministry of Planning, Daniel Cameron, Argentina wants to move up from harnessing 2% energy from renewable sources to 10% by 2030.
Fossil fuels, however, are still a major source in the region. After the entry of Venezuela, the Mercosur has become established as one of the leading players in the world when it comes to energy, with 19.6% of proven oil reserves, 3.1% of natural gas reserves, and 16% of recoverable shale gas reserves.
The Mercosur comprises Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Paraguay – which is suspended from the bloc up until April 2013.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
