Theoretical assessment of the available power from the marine energy sources in Mexico

Abstract

While the need to use clean, renewable energies in electricity generation is universally understood, Mexico is lagging behind other countries regarding the contribution these sources have to the production of energy nationally. The first hurdle to overcome is providing accurate information for decision-makers and potential investors. In the case of renewable marine energy, this means generating data on the possible installed electrical capacities of the various sources at sites across the country. From this, it is possible to estimate the economic viability of implementing renewable energy projects at specific locations. This work, therefore, aims to characterize the available power from diverse energy sources around the coasts of Mexico and to make recommendations of sites where the energy potential warrants further analysis. A literature review of the power available from marine currents, waves, and thermal and saline gradient sources was performed for the Mexican Caribbean. Several sites were found to be geographically viable; there is sufficient potential energy available to meet at least part of the energy demands of the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel Island. Key sites are to the south of Cozumel Island and in the Cozumel Channel for energy harvested from ocean currents. In the northern part of Quintana Roo, sites offer great potential for wave energy, while the central part of the state could be suitable for energy generation from thermal gradients. In Chetumal Bay, there is potential for saline gradient electricity. Wave energy potential was evaluated for the entire Mexican coast, and seven locations are recommended for further investigation. A conservative gross estimation has shown that wave energy could contribute up to 0.2 % of the national demand in the short or mid-term, with a relatively small investment and a low environmental impact.