Numerous public policies are being implemented to reach the Mexican government’s renewable energy goals. These include the Energy Transition Law which proposes that 35% of the electricity generated in Mexico will come from clean energy sources by 2024. The DUGE TIS in Mexico is an initiative that seeks to develop the components of this study. This study is designed to assess the technoeconomical potential of four different energy technologies in a hypothetical Mexico of 2050.
Mexico has many renewable energy options, including solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower. Mexico's natural gas reserves, which are the fourth-largest in the world, is located in the global Solar Belt. Mexico's large land area is blessed with sun and strong wind. It is important to realize that Mexico's wind resources are more concentrated in certain regions, which makes wind energy less efficient than other forms of solar energy.
Mexico's average annual electricity consumption has increased by 3% over the past 13 years. Because of this, Mexico's electricity demand has grown and renewable energy has been a major source to the country's growth. In 2017, the country's power sector satisfied 330 TWh of electricity demand, with 15% coming from renewable sources. In the past, 4000 MN of permits were issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Mexico's power sector is second in terms of polluting after transportation. It is essential that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 22% prior to 2030. It is important that reliable electricity access be provided to the 3.5 millions people who live in remote areas.
The country's energy goals are ambitious. These goals need to be able to adapt to future setbacks. It is important to mention that Mexico is part of the G8+5 (G8) as well as the World Trade Organization. It is also signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement. It must prioritize domestic businesses and foreign investors to fulfill its green obligations.
The energy laws that have been in existence for more than two decades show the Mexican government’s commitment in renewable energy. These laws have allowed Mexico rank fourth in the global rankings for renewable energy. Mexico is also a Member of the International Renewable Energy Agency. In 2011/2012, the IRENA Statute was ratified by Mexico's Ministry of Energy. This resulted in Mexico's National Energy strategy. The ratification this Statue created an institutional framework for energy that supported the development of renewable energies, the promulgation laws and agreements, as well the financing of them.
Mexico's renewable energy potential is huge. This is especially true for the future as Mexico is projected to have 155 million people by 2050. Mexico must ensure reliable electricity access for those who live in remote areas to achieve this goal.