Renewable Energies
Phenomena such as climate change and the imbalance of ecosystems underline the importance of renewable energy in the energy agenda of all countries. To do this successfully, it will also be necessary to have specialized professionals.
Renewable energies in Mexico
The generation of renewable energy in Mexico is feasible thanks to an estimated installed capacity of 31%, distributed as follows: 16% hydroelectric, wind, 7.5%, 4.3% Solar, nuclear 2%, and 1.2% geothermal.
In addition, as part of the 2030 Agenda, Mexico set the goal that 35% of the energy generated by 2024 and 43% in 2030 would come from clean sources. With this, a reduction in greenhouse gases is expected, among other advantages of renewable energies that constitute the basis for a sustainable present and future.
Advantages of renewable energies
- Photovoltaic
Conservation and scope
Rooftop solar modules and power plants produce 3% of global electricity demand and it is estimated that by 2030, they will produce around 35%. Furthermore, by installing batteries it is possible to store electricity for later use.
It is an adequate solution in rural or remote areas, as it allows the supply of energy where the electricity service does not reach. It is also an ideal source of energy in places with many hours of sun.
Costs reduction
The production of this type of energy is becoming less expensive. Proof of this is that in countries like India, coal-fired power plants are replaced by photovoltaics, with environmental and economic arguments. In the United States, switching to renewable energy sources is also one of the best choices to cut down on monthly energy bills. You can check out cheap electricity rates texas to learn more.
- Wind
Adaptability
In addition to being native energy, wind farms or mills can be installed on different types of land, even in desert areas or farmland, without requiring the transformation of fuels or mining for their installation.
Low cost
Its profitability is comparable to that of traditional energy sources, with the difference that its price tends to remain constant.
- Hydraulics
Stability
It allows generating more or less electricity as required and by offering the capacity to store the water resource, the operation of the power plants does not depend directly on the rain.
Low cost
Although the construction of a hydroelectric plant is very expensive, the energy source is renewed free of charge and is not subject to market variations.
- Geothermal
Less maintenance
For domestic use, geothermal facilities require less maintenance and have few elements susceptible to breakdown, as well as being silent and taking up little space.
Constant availability
On average, a geothermal plant produces around 8,600 hours per year, while in a solar plant the estimated production is much lower. This is because the former does not depend on climatic or meteorological factors. Furthermore, the useful life of a geothermal power plant is estimated to be between 80 and 100 years.
- Tidal
Predictability
This characteristic allows the energy to be manageable, so it is also known more exactly what dimensions the systems should have.
Low-speed efficiency
Due to the density of the tides, even at a low speed, it is possible to obtain energy.
Long useful life
The main reference is the La Rance tidal power plant in France, which was inaugurated in 1967 and by 2009 already covered 60% of the energy needs of the Brittany region. It is one of the largest plants of this type in the world.
- Biogas
Efficiency
It is considered one of the most efficient organic decomposition processes that exist, being able to process different types of organic waste, including agricultural waste.
CH₄ emission control
Methane (CH₄) is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂, which is controlled to be disposed of in energy and thus its release is prevented.
Given the importance of renewable energy in the coming years, we anticipate the growth of the occupational field for specialists in the field. Therefore, we invite you to review the study plan of the Master’s program in Engineering and Innovation that is part of our academic offer.
