Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: A Boost for Renewable Energies

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BUENOS AIRES, Jan 6 2007 (IPS) - A push / boost / for renewable energy in Argentina… The government of Argentina published a law on Jan. 2 to promote the use of renewable energy sources, which envisages increasing their participation in the national electricity grid from one percent to eight percent over 10 years.

The law declares that generating wind, solar and geothermal power, among others, is “in the national interest”, and promotes investment and research by means of tax incentives and subsidies for every kilowatt generated from alternatives to fossil fuels.

Juan Casavelos, coordinator of Greenpeace's energy campaign, told Tierramérica that this is a “very good sign” and that “any step that increases the share of renewable sources in the grid is of great value.” However, he said the incentives should be larger.

According to Casavelos, a fund is needed to plan investments and make renewable energy supply more competitive.