Smart Energy Planning in the Midst of a Technological and Political Change towards a 100% Renewable System in Mexico by 2050
Daniel Icaza, Néstor Daniel Galán Hernández, Eber Enrique Orozco-Guillen, Francisco Jurado
Abstract
This study presents a 100% renewable and diversified system taking advantage of the available energy potential of renewable energies in Mexico with a view to a planned energy transition in cooperation with the environment. The processes of change that are experienced worldwide in favor of the planet make us reflect and propose alternatives that break traditional schemes in the production of energy (for which reason Mexico cannot deviate from its current model). It is here that this research becomes a transcendental and important reference for decision-making and the transformation of the energy sector in Mexico. The current electrical system relies on fossil fuels that need to be replaced by renewable energy sources (and it is necessary to satisfy growing demands in the long term). The methodological process is carried out with the use of the 100% renewable energy market design tool EnergyPLAN, which puts the concept of intelligent energy into practice by 2050. Finally, after analyzing the results, it is concluded that a good energy mix for 2050 is 30% solar photovoltaic, 25% wind, 14.5% hydraulic, 13.8% CSP plants, and 16.7% other technologies. Surpluses may be sold to the United States and Central America through interconnection points.