Argentina´s energy matrix and external restriction

Abstract

In this paper we try to analyze the relationship between Argentina energy supply and
external constraint, which is acting as a brake on economic growth. In the first  section (I) we study domestic energy sources, as they are presented by the energy main agency in the country (Secretaría de Energía de la Nación), focusing on data for 2012 and its possible future development. In the next section (II), depending on the results of the previous one, we focus on the behaviour of both demand and supply of hydrocarbons in Argentina and their evolution over the last 20 years. In section III we evaluate the argentine Balance of Payments after the deep economic crisis of 2001; chapter four (IV) is an approach to theoretical literature of Development and the importance ascribed to the external sector. In section V we present a brief review of external constraints episodes experienced by our country and finally, in the next section (VI), we concentrate on the current relationship between the national energy balance and external constraints. We summarize the conclusions drawn from the above: the importance of hydrocarbons in today's modern economy and in the foreseeable future, as well as the urgent need to achieve energy self sufficiency.