An Energy Revolution is Underway in Uruguay

[nationalize the fed]

Anahi Aradas Vice.com September 10, 2014

A wind farm in Uruguay. Photo: Anahi Aradas

As if Uruguay's legalization of marijuana wasn't progressive and revolutionary enough compared to the rest of the world, the small South American nation is coming close to realizing a goal of complete energy independence — in a place with no known oil reserves.

A massive national endeavor is underway to construct wind farms, and Uruguay's private and public sectors are investing heavily in energy alternatives in an effort to generate electricity that is not dependent on petroleum. The changes have already reduced energy costs for consumers.

In a wide-ranging interview with VICE News, Ramon Mendez, director of Uruguay's energy administration, said that 84 percent of the country's electricity was generated from natural resources like wind, water, and agricultural waste (also known as biomass) in 2013. That pace is holding this year, and Mendez said he expects that rate to hit 95 percent in 2015.

As a result, the country managed to cut energy bills for consumers by 5.5 percent as of this July. Authorities have promised that more reductions are on the way. &quot Uruguay) will never again use oil to generate electricity," Mendez told VICE News. The progress will mostly be thanks to a source of energy that Uruguayans enjoy in abundance — the wind...MORE

https://news.vice.com/article/an-energy-revolution-is-underway-in-uruguay

Uruguay, Japan and Germany are doing something about their energy needs while the US is starting another war. What's a few more borrowed billion dollars to enrich the "defense" industry? "American Exceptionalism"

[Fred Sanders]

1. And no fees being attempted to be charged for using ones solar panels, no protecting private profit.

An actual long term national energy plan, not just haphazardly leaving it "up to the marketplace" and no government plan because America is in perpetual election mode, no time for governing and planning.

The world is watching America very nervously these days.

[riversedge]

2. You mean what is happening in WI??

[Fred Sanders]

3. Also in Arizona and California at least I know of....charging to put clean power back into the grid.

it is shocking how much America is behind everyone else because of corporate status quo obstruction.

[riversedge]

4. Thanks. Did not know of the other states....

We have Walker--our GOV who put the breaks on wind a few years ago with Regulations (yeah--the GOP who professes not to like Big Gov and regulations. Now the major utilities are about to hit the solar homes

It is so sad to say the least. We try but get knocked all the time.