Mexico’s energy landscape is set for a potential shift. With global powers pushing to boost energy production from natural sources, Mexico might take a different route. The country’s recent struggles to meet electricity demands using renewable energy have sparked concerns about its ability to keep up with growing needs.
Renewable Energy Shortfall
Mexico’s current administration, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has multiple projects focused on renewable energy. However, the country’s electricity consumption is outpacing supply. This has led to speculation that the government might increase nuclear energy production to bridge the gap. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference, global leaders signed an agreement to triple nuclear energy production by 2050. Mexico could follow suit, potentially undermining its commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Francisco Barnés de Castro, former rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), suggests transitioning from natural gas to nuclear energy as a national strategy. He advocates for promoting electric vehicles to reduce pollution and create a new energy sector. According to Barnés de Castro, nuclear energy will play a vital role in Mexico’s future.
Nuclear Energy: A Controversial Option
Mexico’s history with nuclear energy is marred by controversy. The Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant has faced criticism for its safety record. During former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term, the plant was expanded to increase its production capacity. However, this move was met with concerns about the plant’s operational safety. The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has repeatedly raised alarms about the plant’s safety mechanisms.
The drought has further complicated Mexico’s energy situation. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has increased its reliance on fossil fuels by 20.7%, while renewable energy production has dropped by 38.5%. In this context, nuclear energy becomes an attractive option. Data from the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) shows that nuclear energy production rose by 50.2% in 2024, while renewable energy sources declined.
Safety Concerns Persist
Despite the increase in nuclear energy production, the Laguna Verde plant has a poor international reputation. Bernardo Salas, a mathematical physicist, has been warning about the plant’s safety risks for over 20 years. He highlights the lack of safety measures to prevent a nuclear meltdown and the resulting contamination. Unfortunately, his warnings have gone unheeded.
The notion that nuclear energy is clean is a misconception. Nuclear power plants generate significant greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Moreover, the disposal of radioactive waste remains a pressing issue. Countries with nuclear power plants struggle to find effective solutions for waste management, often resorting to burying it in supposedly safe locations.
In essence, Mexico’s energy future hangs in the balance. The decision to ramp up nuclear energy production will have far-reaching consequences for the environment and the country’s commitment to reducing pollution.