Transition Strategies for a Hydrogen Economy in Mexico

Abstract

The economic viability of the energy sector is fundamental for the development of Mexico. The main objective of the economic sectors is to reduce the cost of energy production. The application of the nuclear and renewable energy sources can be developed in Mexico with a limitless potential for the electricity production, heat, hydrogen and seawater desalination, without Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s) emissions and under acceptable economic conditions. For the future development of this potential, it is required to make deep institutional changes by state promotion and with the public acceptance. However, it is at present when we most settle down the bases for a new energy politics by means of appropriate clear objectives. In order to attain such goals, the participation of the universities, institutions, public administration and companies is required. The proposed energy program until the year 2030 includes expansion mainly for the period 2007–2015 of the electrical sector using the renewable energy resources, hydro, geothermal, biomass and wind, for being more competitive for the country instead of a gas-based combined cycle plant. This paper analyses the benefits to develop the power sector mainly using High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR’s), in 2015-2030, adding to renewable power technologies.