Mexico's Push Towards Diversifying its Energy Sources

 

Mexico's Push Energy Sources:

Mexico's Push Energy Sources have long been reliant on thermal sources for their electricity production. But the country is now making a push towards diversifying its energy sources. And increasing its use of renewable energies such as hydropower. Mexico's Energy production is currently dominated by thermal sources.

 Accounting for 75% of total installed capacity, with hydropower following at 19%. This blog post will explore the potential of Mexico. To expand into other renewable energy sources. such as solar and wind, as well as the obstacles it may face in doing so.

Mexico's Dependence on Thermal Sources:

The electricity sector in Mexico has relied on thermal sources. With around 75% of the total installed capacity coming from fossil fuels. The government and industry leaders are pushing toward a more diverse. And a sustainable mix of energy sources to ensure a reliable. And clean energy future for the country.

Thermal Power generation involves burning fossil fuels. Such as coal, natural gas, or oil to produce steam. That drives turbines and generates electricity. This method of power generation has several downsides. Including greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and limited fuel supply.

Furthermore, Mexico's reliance on thermal sources has resulted in energy security issues. In 2018, natural gas pipeline theft led to widespread. Electricity blackouts across the country. These events underscore the importance of diversifying. The country's energy sources ensure reliability and sustainability.

In response, the Mexican government has introduced policies. Aimed at promoting renewable energy generation. The country's energy reform program was launched in 2013. Aims to create a more open and competitive energy market while increasing. The use of renewable energy sources.

The Government's Initiative to Diversify Electricity Sources:

Recognizing the need to reduce dependence on thermal sources. And mitigate the risks of power supply shortages. Mexico's Government has been promoting the diversification of its electricity sources. In 2015, the Mexican government set a target of generating. 35% of the country's electricity from clean sources by 2024.

To achieve this goal, the government has implemented several measures. Such as the auctioning of renewable energy projects. And offering long-term power buy agreements (PPAs) to renewable energy developers. These actions have resulted in a significant increase in renewable energy capacity. With over 11 GW of wind and solar capacity added to the grid in the past few years.

Furthermore, the government has encouraged private investment in geothermal energy. Which is an abundant source of energy in Mexico. Mexico ranks third in the world in geothermal potential. It has been working on developing new geothermal projects.

Geothermal Potential in Mexico:

Mexico is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its volcanic activity. Making it a prime location for geothermal energy production. Currently, geothermal energy only accounts for a small percentage of Mexico's electricity production. But, the country has been exploring ways to increase its use of this renewable energy source.

One promising area for geothermal development is the state of Baja California. The region is home to the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Plant. producing over 700 megawatts of electricity. Also to the Cerro Prieto plant. There are several other geothermal projects in the works throughout Mexico.

One challenge facing Geothermal Energy Development in Mexico is the high upfront costs. Drilling for geothermal resources can be expensive. And the technology required to harness the energy can also be costly. But, the long-term benefits of using a renewable. The energy sources can outweigh the initial expenses.

Solar Power in Mexico:

Solar Power has been on the rise in Mexico, thanks to the country's abundant. Sunshine and government incentives. Mexico is well-positioned to capitalize on solar energy. And it has great potential to be a leader in this field. Mexico could increase its solar energy capacity by over 30 times. Its current installed capacity, which would make it the fourth largest. Producer of solar power in the world.

Mexico's Push Energy Sources has several large-scale solar projects in operation. Such as the Villanueva Solar Park in the state of Coahuila. And the largest photovoltaic solar plant in Latin America. Aura Solar I, in the state of Baja California Sur, with an installed capacity of 39 MW.
The Mexican government has been promoting the use of solar energy in 2020. It launched the Energy Transition Law. Which aims to increase the country's use of renewable energy sources.