Here’s a story worth spreading: a small country with limited natural resources has proven that a clean, reliable energy system is not only possible — it can also be cheaper than fossil fuels.

Over the past two decades, Uruguay transformed its electricity system. Today, about 99% of its electricity comes from renewables — wind, hydro, biomass and solar working together. Hydropower provides roughly 45%, wind up to 35%, biomass about 15%, with solar and other renewables rounding out the mix.

The economic benefits are striking: electricity now costs roughly half of what comparable fossil-fuel-based power would cost. The transformation has also created tens of thousands of jobs and insulated the country from volatility in global oil and gas markets.

Uruguay didn’t start with lofty climate goals — the push was driven by practical concerns: lowering costs, ensuring reliable electricity, and reducing dependency on imported fuel. The climate payoff became an added bonus.

This small-nation success story shows that — with the right policies, stable regulations, and commitment — clean energy isn’t just idealistic: it’s realistic, scalable, and economically smart.