The Energy Transition in Mexico: Current Development and Prospects in the Light of the 2018 Elections

Mexico initiated a comprehensive reform of its energy sector, a central element of the reform being the Energy Transition Law (Ley de Transición Energética) in 2015. A key objective of the law is to significantly increase the share of renewables in the power mix. The Mexican government aims at generating 35 percent of electricity from "clean sources" by 2024 (up from 20 percent in 2016). To reach this ambitious goal, Mexico has introduced various policy instruments, including clean energy certificates (CELs) and competitive auctions for renewable energy. The 2017 auction resulted in rock-bottom prices for wind and solar power of below 20 USD/MWh which were perceived with great interest worldwide. These results are a clear indication that wind and solar technologies will be the driver and primary pillars of the transformation. It can be expected that questions around system integration, transmission and flexibility will play a key role in shaping the energy transition in Mexico.

Against this background, experts from Mexico and Germany discussed latest developments and the outlook for the Mexican energy transition after the national elections which take place on 1 July 2018. Participants were invited to share her/his own perspectives and specific country experience.

The slides shown on this event may be found in the media section below.