CFE To Develop Rooftop Solar and Green Hydrogen

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has completed her visit to Mexico, discussing energy matters with the country’s political heavyweights. Though the two sides remained diplomatic, analysts and private sector representatives see the upcoming reform as problematic. In other news, CFE looks to develop a green hydrogen project and is building a solar power plant on top of Mexico’s Central Market.

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MEXICO

CFE Looks at Green Hydrogen

State utility CFE is working on a green hydrogen pilot project that would produce energy. The goal is to rely less on natural gas by utilizing its specialized equipment in gas-fired power plants that can burn hydrogen as a 20 percent of the mixture. As a result, obtain lower emissions and dependency on natural gas. The Puerto Peñasco solar project could become a location for CFE’s hydrogen-producing electrolyzers.

US Energy Secretary Granholm Completes Mexico Visit

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, visited Mexico’s President Andres Manuel López Obrador this week. Despite the challenges the countries face in their relationship, on the back of Mexico’s plans to reform the energy sector and put barriers up for private participation from the US and elsewhere, the two leaders were positive about the talks they held "There was receptivity to what we were saying, in the same way that I was receptive to hearing the explanation for why this law was put forward," Granholm told Reuters.

Mexico Obtains Wind Energy Record in 2021

Wind energy in Mexico grew 136 percent in its installed capacity in the first three years of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, reaching a record of 8.3 gigawatts with accumulated investments of US$13 billion. The record was achieved despite the uncertainty generated by recent legislative changes, reported the Mexican Wind Energy Association (AMDEE).

Mexican Innovation Turns Plastic into Fuel

Pollution caused by plastic waste is already a concerning issue. Nevertheless, the United Nations expect the problem to double in scope by 2030. Mexican innovator Petgas patented a new way to deal with plastic: turning it into an efficient gasoline-like fuel to generate energy and power engines. It is now seeking to expand its production facilities.

Mexico’s Central Market Solar Project Progresses

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum showed off an exciting new solar project during Granholm’s visit: 20ha of PV solar modules installed on top of Mexico’s massive Central Market. The 18MW project, developed by CFE, will take 8 months to complete at an investment of US$20 million.

Mexico’s Growth and Credit Rating at Risk with Reform

Mexico’s upcoming electricity reform puts the country at risk for slower economic growth and lowering of its credit rating, says JP Morgan in a report.

Amando Villareal, Director General of the Nuevo Leon Energy Cluster, subscribes to the same view. The government’s plans have stalled new energy projects in his state.

To meet Mexico’s clean energy goals for 2024, it requires that 35 percent of power produced to be clean, Mexico should receive US$10 billion in renewable energy investment, said Nelson Delgado, Executive Director, Mexican Solar Energy Association (ASOLMEX)

INTERNATIONAL

Women More Affected by Lack of Energy Development

Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that more female participation in the energy sector is needed. Sheinbaum quoted UN data reporting that 70 percent of all the people in the world that have no electricity are women.

EU Renewable Energy Use on the Rise

The European Union’s energy use in 2020 relied for 37 percent on renewable energy, meaning that clean energy adoption is rising strongly in Europe, already up by 3 percent compared to 2019.