The modernization of the electrical system in Yucatán faces a race against time. While the energy demand It is growing rapidly due to industrial, tourist and urban development, the transmission infrastructure has lagged behind and, in some sections, operates at the limit of its capacity. The challenge is not only guarantee a reliable supply, but do so with a sustainable vision that reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
According to the Mexican Association of Renewable Energy and Environment (AMER), the Yucatan Peninsula maintains an “almost insular” condition within the National Electric System. Its limited interconnection with other regions and lack of investment in transmission lines make it especially vulnerable to massive blackouts, such as those that occurred recently.
“The underlying problem is not the lack of generation, but the lack of capacity to move energy,” explained the engineer. Ramon Nunez, specialist in electrical infrastructure.
The specialist warned that the Yucatecan electrical network It requires urgent modernization, as it works with saturated transformers, obsolete high voltage lines and a distribution system that was not designed for current urban growth.
He engineer Núñez consider priority three types of projects for Yucatán: large-scale solar parks, microgrids with storage and coastal wind technology. These initiatives, combined, could cover much of the increase in demand without compromising environmental sustainability.
“Yucatan has an exceptional solar resource and a coast with stable winds; what can best take advantage of it is the infrastructure to transport that energy and clear policies to integrate it into the national grid,” he indicated.
Likewise, he commented that distributed generation, through panels on the roofs of homes, businesses and public buildings, should be encouraged as a tool for local recovery and energy savings.
Clean energy for Yucatan
Los weather events Recent events—hurricanes, heat waves, and massive transmission failures—have highlighted the need to strengthen the network and decentralize generation. The clean energybeyond its environmental benefit, also becomes a security element.
“A hospital, for example, can continue operating if it has microgrids or solar panels with storage. This not only reduces emissions, it saves lives during emergencies,” Núñez stressed.
Everything seems to indicate that by 2026, the majority of public resources will be allocated to hydrocarbon and energy projects. Federal Electricity Commission (CFE)while clean energies will receive less than 1% of the total budget. For engineer Núñez, this proportion “reflects a short-term vision.”
The expert stated that Yucatán has everything to be a national example in energy transition: sun, wind and human capital.
“What is missing is continuity in planning and political will to enhance clean energy.”