Perspectives on Business and Economics, Vol. 39, 2021 20 Introduction Argentina is in a unique position to capitalizeon its energypotential, bothrenewable and conventional. This leaves the country at a crossroads—to embrace the future and become a world leader in cutting edge technology, or to continue to invest in conventional energy. The nation has the opportunity to break from relying on conventional resources by capitalizing on natural resources, such as wind and solar, to develop a stronger energy infrastructure, especially with regard to electricity generation. Encouragement of renewable energy sources is in the long-term interest of Argentina, with the government leading the way through direct investment by means of incentives to the private sector. Argentina’s Environmental Goals Argentina has committed to significant goals in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 as underlined by their membership in the United Nations Conference of the Parties Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement in 2015. Argentina’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are to reduce emissions by 15% between 2020 and 2030 with a conditional component of 15% with respect to its business-as-usual projection for 2030. Business-as-usual is a projection of emissions levels if Argentina were to not implement any renewable energy projects. Whether it must meet its conditional or unconditional goal depends on the means of implementation received in the form of assistance from other countries (Argentine Republic, 2016). While these goals are commendable, they are insufficient to allow Argentina to be in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of a rise in temperature no greater than 1.5°C. Argentina’s global carbon footprint should be between 0.7% and 0.8% of global emissions. This target footprint is based on a variety of inputs, including cumulative RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE FUTURE OF ARGENTINA’S ELECTRICITY SECTOR Jack M. Heller Argentina has some of the best renewable energy and fossil fuel– based potential in the world. The Argentine government has an opportunity to invest in renewables and, hence, in its future energy stability. Combining these efforts will allow Argentina to reach not only its electricity needs but also its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
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