By the end of 2009, Mexico had an effective installed capacity of
electrical power generation of 51,686 MW, 12,433 MW of them were from
renewable energy sources (hydroelectric, geothermal electric and wind
power technologies), representing 24.1% of the total installed capacity,
according to the Ministry of Energy (SENER).
The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) reports the creation of several
self-sufficient wind power projects, amounting to a total of 2,727 MW.
Of these, 488.7 MW are already operating, 1,928 MW are in the
construction phase and the remaining 310 MW are inactive.
Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment
The CRE estimates that since 2005, Mexico has attracted over 4.77
billion dollars in foreign investment for green industry projects. In
addition to these investments, it is estimated that in the last two
years, 3.3 billion dollars have entered the country through calls for
tender by SENER, as infrastructure projects to interconnect renewable
sources to the country's electrical grid. Of all the investments
registered, more than 90% have been in the wind power industry.
The recent opening up of Mexican legislation led to the capture, in
2011, of a solar power generation project, with an investment estimated
of 19 million dollars.
Mexico's Potential by Energy Type
Wind Power. Mexico's estimated potential to utilize wind
power exceeds 71,000 MW, according to data from the Electrical
Research Institute (IIE) and SENER. In approximately 22 of the 31
Mexican states, wind plants can be installed with operating means
above 20%. Estimated investments in these projects reach 5.5 billion
dollars and create more than 10 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
Solar Power. Close to 90% of Mexican territory has daily
irradiance ranging between 5 and 6 KW/h per square meter. These
numbers position Mexico as one of the areas with the highest levels
in the world.
It is estimated that the total capacity of Mexico's photovoltaic
installations reaches 25.11 MWp, which has meant a total
investment of around 125.5 million dollars. The Federal Government
has various programs for the promotion and use of solar
technologies, such as the 2007-2012 Program to Promote Solar Water
Heaters in Mexico (PROCASOL).
Mini Hydraulic Power. According to statistics published by
the CFE and the CRE, Mexico has small hydroelectric plants with an
installed capacity of 392 MW. It is estimated that their approximate
potential is 3,250 MW, which means only 12% of the total capacity to
be developed is being utilized.
Geothermal Power. In terms of installed capacity to generate
electricity from geothermal resources, Mexico is among the top five
leaders in the world. As of October 2010, Mexico was ranked fourth,
with 958 MW, behind the US (3,093 MW), the Philippines (1,904 MW)
and Indonesia (1,197 MW), according to data published by SENER.
Companies Established in Mexico
There are several production centers in Mexico:
Turbine manufacture and assembly:
A 100% Mexican company located in the Federal District, produces
generators for Clipper turbines that are exported to the United
States.
Paddle manufacture:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries de México, S.A. de C.V. produces paddles
in Ciudad Juarez for export them to the wind market in the United
States. Vientek, a joint venture between Mitsubishi and TPI
Composites, also produces paddles for wind turbines.
Tower manufacture:
Trinity, Tubac, CS Wind and Speco, manufacture steel towers for
Mexico's wind market.
Other wind power components:
Kaydon and Liebherr manufacture ball bearings and roller bearings
for the wind industry.
Solar module production plants:
Kyocera, Sanyo Energy and BP Solar, together with Jabil Circuit Inc.
Strengths of the Sector in Mexico
In addition to its excellent geographic location and abundance of
natural resources, Mexico has a huge potential to manufacture equipment
because of its low industrial costs and highly skilled workforce.
Experience. Mexico's success in the development of
industries such as the automotive and electric-electronic provides a
methodology platform that specializes in infrastructure and favors
the development of the Renewable Energy industry in Mexico and
enables the optimization of supply chains, common support programs
and synergetic advantages.
Talent. Currently, close to 90 thousand students
graduate from engineering and technology programs, representing a
highly attractive talent pool for companies in industries such as
Renewable Energy Mexico's success in the development of industries
such as the automotive and electric-electronic provides a
methodology platform that specializes in infrastructure and favors
the development of the Renewable Energy.
