CCUS Implementation in Mexico: Towards a Sustainable Energy Sector

Abstract

Mexico is one of the countries that has looked at carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) as a technological opportunity to decarbonize the energy sector. With almost 10 years of planning and developing relevant activities, the Mexico’s Ministry of Energy (SENER), in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), has established an ambitious strategy to deploy CCUS projects in the country. The objective of this paper is to deepen into the process to implement CCUS in Mexico and its alignment with the national and international energy and climate commitments. A series of strategical activities for capacity building, technical evaluation and pilot projects planning was trigger with the guidance of the Technology Roadmap of CCUS for Mexico and the integration of a national working group with representatives from government, academia and industry. The paper includes a description of the importance of international collaboration to strengthen and support Mexico for capacity building, technical assistance and financing. After 10 years, Mexico has achieved significant goals. Currently, a national atlas of CCUS is public available integrating the information concern to CO2 large sources and sinks (saline aquifers and oil reservoirs), and the description of potential projects in the short and medium term. SENER established a master degree program on CCUS and in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) as well as a specialized training program and other international partners. SEMARNAT led the activities for the development of a national standard on CCS/CCUS. To the date, relevant knowledge and experience have let the Mexican institutions to learn by doing, improve and enrich the national capabilities, and open the opportunity for the establishment of successful business case to attract investment and further collaborations globally.