Mexico is transitioning rapidly to renewable energy sources in the wake of the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which drove up global energy costs. This April, the first phase of a solar energy project near the U.S.-Mexico border will become operational with a generating capacity of 1,000 megawatts—enough to power 500,000 homes. Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo have made plans for electric vehicle production in Sonora due to the state’s large lithium deposits as well as 5 gigawatts of solar capacity planned for the area.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has invested heavily in propping up long-struggling oil companies despite his push towards renewable energies, creating tension between Mexico and other North American countries like The United States and Canada. However, despite this tension, Mexico continues its commitment to renewable energy sources through initiatives such as this solar project and plans for electric vehicle production in Sonora. The country is making progress on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by investing billions in green energies such as wind and sun projects over the next several years. It recently signed contracts worth US$2 billion with various private companies that are committed to bringing green electricity onto the national grid by 2024.
The shift towards renewable energy offers a strong economic opportunity for Mexico while also helping protect its environment against climate change and its detrimental effects. Investing in green projects could create thousands of jobs across industries that include construction, engineering development, research & development, operations & maintenance and manufacturing related parts & services. Ultimately, Mexico’s efforts towards a cleaner future promise great potential for both economic stability and environmental protection not only within Mexican borders but also beyond them throughout North America. It is essential that the government and private companies continue to partner together in order to achieve these goals and bring renewable energy sources to Mexico’s population. This project will generate 1,000 megawatts of solar energy, enough to power 500,000 homes.
Mexico is making progress on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by investing billions in green energies such as wind and sun projects over the next several years. The solar project near the U.S.-Mexico border is expected to be operational by April 2021, signifying a major step towards a greener future for both countries. With the right investments and commitment, Mexico has the potential to become a leader in renewable energy production and contribute significantly to global efforts against climate change. It is up to Mexican citizens and leadership to take the steps necessary to ensure their bright future.
Jonas Muthoni is an entrepreneur and renewable energy expert. He is the founder of MicroGridMedia.com, a website dedicated to bringing the latest news and information about solar energy and other renewable energy sources to the public. Jonas is passionate about promoting sustainable energy solutions and educating the public about the benefits of renewable energy. He is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences and is committed to driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.