Developments in geothermal energy in Mexico—Part thirty-two. Supply and demand perspectives for the year 2000

Abstract

The participation of geothermal energy in the national electric power supply has steadily increased since its beginning in 1973 to a value of 50.4 PJ yr −1, 5.4% of the total electric demand. The activities programmed by the Mexican government indicate that for the year 2000, an estimated 4.0% of the electricity demand could be satisfied by geothermal energy. A larger participation of geothermal and other alternative energy sources is needed in order to have a smooth energy transition and to continue exporting hydrocarbons beyond the year 2000. It is concluded that it is possible to achieve a geothermal energy participation in that year of around 5% of the net internal supply, as 13% of the electric power demand and 3% of the thermal demand.