A new IRENA report released today at an event in Merida, Mexico finds the country can increase the amount of renewable energy in its energy mix from 4.4% in 2010 to 21% by 2030.
Renewable Energy Prospects: Mexico also finds that Mexico could generate up to 46 per cent of its electricity by 2030 from renewable sources including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and biomass – a six fold increase from today’s levels.
“Mexico represents one-fifth of all energy use in the Latin America and Caribbean region and is key to ensuring a successful regional transition to renewable energy. With the recent energy sector reform, Mexico is now on the path of rapid renewables growth, which can help secure a safer, healthier and more sustainable future.” – Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA
The share of renewable energy in Mexico’s energy mix will only reach 10% by 2030 under current policies. If Mexico succeeds in reaching a 21% share of renewable energy, it will save as much as USD 11.6 billion annually by 2030 when taking into account factors like reduced health costs and reduced pollution.
“This report shows that Mexico could install significantly higher amounts of renewables – and that it can do so affordably. The dramatic technology cost declines present a real opportunity for Mexico to scale up their renewable energy deployment and lead the region towards a clean energy future.” – Dolf Gielen, Director of IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre
The report is part of IRENA’s renewable energy roadmap, REmap 2030, which provides a plan to double the share of renewable energy in the world’s energy mix by 2030 and determines the potential for Mexico and other countries to scale up renewable energy in the energy system, including power, industry, buildings, and the transport sector. To date, three other country specific reports have been published including China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
