Mexico

Mexico has set ambitious targets for its energy sector with the aim of reducing carbon emissions substantially. The target Mexico committed to during COP21 in Paris is to reduce greenhouse emissions from 22-36% by 2030 depending on the magnitude of international support. This target includes a considerable increase in wind, an area where Denmark holds years’ of experience integrating wind power into the energy system. Denmark and Mexico has cooperated on climate and energy and since 2005. Since 2014, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has been working closely with the Mexican Ministry of Energy and the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to support the Mexican energy and climate strategies and action plans.

The technical assistance from DEA ensure a transfer of knowledge and expertise based on Denmark’s experience in climate and energy, which has proven that it is possible to introduce fluctuating energy sources in a cost-effective way without compromising security of supply. The assistance from DEA will help build up technical capacity in the Mexican government in order for them to reform their energy sector and address carbon emissions.

Mexican focus areas

The Mexican-Danish cooperation has four areas of focus within climate change mitigation, renewable energy and energy efficiency:

Modelling and Scenario development

DEA supports in developing capacity and knowledge in modelling and scenario development through direct technical assistance. The modelling and scenario analyses will help Mexico to predict the need for additional installed energy capacity in the energy mix.  Some of these analyses served as background analyses to the Mexican INDC, which was submitted before COP21 and will continue to support the further implementation of Mexico’s commitments to reduce carbon their emissions.

Wind power

The programme also assists the development of a Mexican Wind Atlas assessing the potential for deployment of wind turbines. The Mexican Wind Atlas is of great importance to Mexico and has received substantial Mexican co-funding. When finalized, it will be publicly available for Mexican authorities and project developers as a planning tool for deployment of wind turbines. 

Bioenergy

As there is significant and largely untapped potential for biomass in Mexico, DEA also cooperates with the Mexican authorities to develop a roadmap for further development and use of biomass for energy production in Mexico. Projects include mapping of available resources, projects on relevant current and future biomass technologies as well as feasibility studies at specific sites. Read more about bioenergy in Mexico below

Energy Efficiency

On energy efficiency, the programme has supported the development of a background document for the Mexican  energy efficiency strategy, which is currently being developed. The strategy will set the frame for energy efficiency focus and open up for a more comprehensive and consolidated approach to energy efficiency in Mexico, including set-up of supportive measures for industry, buildings and transport among others.   

Funding comes from Danish Climate Envelope

DEA has cooperated with Mexican partners in the Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Programme since January 2014. The first programme from 2014 - 2017 was funded with DKK 45 million and the current programme is funded with DKK 34 million under the Danish Climate Envelope.

Bioenergy in Mexico

The Danish-Mexican cooperation on bioenergy focuses on identifying and assessing relevant biomass resources for energy utilization in Mexico. The general objective is to build capacity and provide input to a future bioenergy road map for Mexico.

Biogas production based on residues and waste

For the period 2017 – 2019, it was decided to work with resources for biogas production based on organic residues and waste. Five projects were made:

Feedstock database for biogas production in Mexico

This project identified and described the 20 most promising wet feedstocks for biogas production. The description includes the information necessary for a first evaluation of a biogas project for each feedstock: available amounts, current use, biogas potential etc.

Download report Feedstock database (English)

Download report Base de datos de sustratos (Spanish)

Biogas plants in Denmark and Mexico 

This project presents 6 Danish and 5 Mexican biogas plants and provides an overview of the state of art of different typical biogas technologies and plant in the two countries. Each plant is described in a fact sheet with key information on input feedstocks, biogas production and costs.

Download report Biogas plants in Denmark and Mexico (English)

Biogas Tool

The Biogas Tool is a spreadsheet-based calculation tool that can be used to obtain a preliminary technical and economic evaluation of biogas projects based on user input.

Download userguide (English)

Download spreadsheet tool (English)

Download guía de usuario (Spanish)

Download hoja de Excel (Spanish)

Pre-feasibility studies for biogas production in Sonora

In collaboration with “The Ecology and Sustainable Development Commission of the State of Sonora” (CEDES), three possible projects for biogas production were evaluated.

Download report pre-feasibility studies Sonora (English)

Pre-feasibility study for biogas production in  Guanajuato

In collaboration with the “Institute of Ecology” (from 2018 the “Ministry of Environment and Territorial Planning”) of Guanajuato, a site for biogas production in the state was chosen and evaluated.  

Download report pre-feasibility studies Guanajuato (English)

Lessons Learned

The lessons learned report presents the general findings and learnings from the biogas projects in Mexico in light of international experiences with biogas. Furthermore, incentives and actions that might be relevant to consider in a possible future biogas strategy or road map for Mexico are described.

Download report Lessons Learned (English)

Download report Lecciones aprendidas (Spanish)

Laura Kjær
Advisor (+45) 3395 5812