Biomethane and BioCO2 Production in Mexico

While Mexico has vast potential for the production of biogas, active projects to produce it are scarce in the country. This renewable energy source could diversify the country’s energy matrix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, says Guillermo Chaim Serrano, General Director, Brimex Energy.

“Mexico has a wealth of resources suitable for biogas production, including 53 million poultry, 16.6 million pigs and cattle, industrial waste, and a staggering 800 million t of biomass, capable of generating 32 million m3 of biogas,” said Chaim during the Mexico Business Summit 2023. 

Mexico generates 587,000t biomass per day, which could be transformed into 7 million m3 of biogas per day, found a study by the Mexican Association of Biomass and Biogas (AMBB). This biogas could also help produce up to 5 million m3 of green hydrogen per day and 7,000MW of electricity in the regions with the greatest production potential. 

While the potential is immense, there are few active projects taking advantage of this abundant resource, says Chaim. Companies are beginning to invest in this sector. Brimex Energy, for example, is leading the way with a biogas plant in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, which will start producing biomethane in 2024. 

Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Nuevo Leon have the most potential to develop biogas projects due to their main industries: tequila production, cattle, and industrial production. These three sectors produce biomass, biogas, and industrial mud, which can be turned into renewable resources. With a more established production, these resources could even generate electricity for public use. “This alternative would contribute to the diversification of the energy matrix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which national and international companies are beginning to prioritize,” says Chaim. 

The lack of public policies, regulations for use and production, and adequate financing for projects pose significant challenges for the industry. However, Mexico has infrastructure for the transportation and distribution of biomass, aligning with international commitments toward renewable energy, says Chaim. 

Brimex Energy's plant has the capacity to process 1,000 t per day and aims to generate 499KW of electric energy. The plant also uses waste heat for the thermal energy required in the process, turning it into a circular plant. The plant produces 500 m3 of biomethane that is used in the 15 company-owned vehicles, while also attracting interest from external distributors and industries seeking to contribute to decarbonization. 

To boost the production, Brimex Energy will build a biogas and biomethane production plant in Tepatitlan, Morelos, with the same capacity. “We are experiencing global economic growth where innovation with an environmental focus is what leads to success,” says Chaim.