The Mexican Wind Energy Association (AMDEE) published its 2024 Annual Report , which details the state of the international and national wind energy sector, as well as the regulatory challenges that the private sector identifies as priorities to address. The report notes, using figures from IRENA and GWEC , that 116 GW of wind energy capacity was added worldwide in 2023: 106 GW of onshore wind and 10.8 GW of offshore wind. Of that total, AMDEE specifies that Mexico contributed 96 MW of new capacity, from which wind energy was injected into the grid; that is, it represented only 0.08% of the global total. "One of the most important issues to mention is that both GWEC and IRENA state that even with last year's growth rate, we will not reach the goal of addressing the climate crisis and limiting global warming to 1.5°C," warns AMDEE . In the Mexican market, wind power technology reaches 7,413 MW, with Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo León being the states with the highest interconnected capacity.
From wind turbines operating across the country, electricity production exceeded 20,000 GWh last year, representing 5.98% of Mexico's total electricity generation. However, the report from the business association identifies even more potential capacity from wind projects that are already built but have not yet been authorized to feed energy into the National Electric System (SEN). "Overall, the renewable energy sector (wind and solar) has around 2,000 MW practically ready to begin operations and approximately 10,000 MW in advanced development that could be incorporated in a few years," the document states. Regarding wind power, projects with at least 813 MW of capacity were identified as completed and undergoing operational testing by the end of 2023, indicating a significant volume awaiting authorization to connect to the grid this year and next. Private companies will be able to add between 6.4 GW and 9.5 GW this six-year term. The National Electricity Sector Strategy , presented at the beginning of November 2024 by the new administration, indicates in its fourth pillar that "between 6,400 MW and 9,550 MW of renewable energy generation will be added by 2030," anticipating an investment of between 6 and 9 billion dollars from private companies. One of the questions raised by this six-year objective is whether the 813 MW of wind power pending injection into the National Electric System (SEN) are included within this capacity that will be permitted for private companies, or if it refers exclusively to new projects. The fact is that, to date, wind power projects have faced a series of challenges in their implementation, which has led to many projects remaining on standby awaiting commercial operation, and others deciding not to invest. To reverse this situation, AMDEE made a series of recommendations in its 2024 Annual Report, outlining a possible path the new administration could take:
- Reactivate investments in large-scale renewable projects: It is crucial to foster an environment that attracts investment in wind power projects and other renewable technologies.
This includes removing regulatory barriers and providing tax and financial incentives.
- Active collaboration between the state and the private sector: Facilitating close and effective cooperation between the government and the private sector, necessary to achieve the country's decarbonization and sustainable development goals.
- Long-term stability: Establish a regulatory framework that offers long-term legal and financial certainty, essential to attract and retain the necessary investments in the wind energy sector and other renewable energies.
- Market rules: They must evolve in a timely manner through the involvement of market participants, to correct failures and incorporate new instruments that adapt to new technologies and requirements of the sector.
- Leveraging storage to alleviate grid congestion: Implement energy storage technologies that enable more efficient management of wind power generation, reducing grid congestion and improving system reliability.
- Include and leverage the most efficient technologies: Promote the use of the most advanced and efficient technologies in the wind energy sector, thereby ensuring greater clean energy production and better integration with other renewable sources.
