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.