Perspectives for the uruguayan energy sector: import, refinery and distribution of oil

Abstract

This initial exploratory paper with focus on the energy sector represents a first approach that seeks to establish links between some current processes of change, specially addressing the impact of cultural and technological aspects of national development; where the idea of an “Innovative Uruguay” is gradually introducing in the social and politic scene. A documental analysis of diverse sources was carried out and several qualified referents were consulted; with special emphasis on those directly involved in the energy sector and the academic area so that each party shares its vision of the problems of the organizations and their need of change. At the same time, a prospective study was developed, analyzing the transformation options (scenarios) based on the Delphos approach in terms of the Uruguayan energy sector. Part of the findings gathered in these studies regarding the most important local energy supply problems, the behavior of institutional actors, the challenges faced by the sectoral development and the diverse potential scenarios for the evolution of the Uruguayan energy sector are exposed in detail in this document. This approach considers specially aspects of the institutions and companies related to ANCAP (State Oil Company), its collaterals and its competitors; fundamentally in terms of import, refinery and distribution of oil derivatives and its impact on the national production chain. The model for the energy sector developed by means of the prospective study shows important limitations of the system in terms of its stability and capability for future development in the competitive context enforced by the integration in the Mercosur.