Mexico, like many countries around the world, has committed to ambitious targets in terms of sustainability. Because of those commitments, the Mexican power system must integrate a large share of clean energy sources (mainly renewable and nuclear) into its power generation portfolio as the main component of an energy transition.
In 2020, the Mexican government endorsed specific targets for the short and long term. Among those targets, it was established that Mexico would generate 35% of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2024. But according to most recent National Electric System Development Program 2022 – 2036 (known as PRODESEN by its Spanish acronym) issued this May 2022 by the Ministry of Energy, the targets for clean energy integration won't be met until 2035, causing an important delay in Mexico's path toward an energy transition.
This article discusses the current condition of the Mexican power system and identifies the main challenges it is facing in terms of generation and transmission, both in the technical and regulatory arenas. Along with those challenges, it is also important to identify opportunities to overcome those challenges, understanding that both the public- and private-sectors need to find new ways to complement each other to return Mexico to the path of meeting its energy transition goals.