Tamaulipas is developing half of Mexico’s planned wind farm energy production capacity in the coming months. This, according to Amdee, should accelerate the installation of transmission lines in the state and regulate land use for the benefit of communities and their productive activities.
In the latest report presented to the state government by business leaders and suppliers in the sector, Héctor Treviño, executive director of the Mexican Wind Energy Association, explained that the region will triple its current capacity internally, in addition to positioning itself, along with Oaxaca, among the main investment sites.
“There are 30 wind farms under development nationwide, representing approximately 5,000 megawatts of capacity, of which 2,629 megawatts are located in Tamaulipas. This will be consolidated over the coming months while awaiting the finalization of permits to begin operations,” he said.
To date, 75 parks have been installed in 13 states, with approximately 7,812 megawatts, representing almost 8 percent of the projected potential in Mexico. Of this production, 414 megawatts are in the testing phase and close to generating electricity.
“We are adding a facility from the Spanish firm Acciona in the municipality of San Carlos, currently undergoing operational testing. We hope to begin operating this year after being idle for a long time. It still needs the corresponding permits,” explained the executive director of Amdee.
Tamaulipas aims to concentrate 4,524 megawatts, three times the 1,712 available, in municipalities such as San Carlos itself, Ciudad Victoria, Llera, and Reynosa, the executive indicated. Given this, there are several issues to resolve, starting with land regulation and providing landowners with rent benefits.
“A wind farm occupies only 5 percent of the land area where the wind turbines are installed, while the rest can continue to be used for primary economic activities, such as agriculture and livestock. Furthermore, its development does not displace populations; the projects share a close relationship with local communities,” noted Héctor Treviño.
Finally, he emphasized job creation, with the goal of consolidating the projects being the coverage of 7,800 jobs. “These plans generate 40 jobs for every 100 megawatts, which translates into 1,800 jobs once all the wind farms are in operation, in addition to the social and community benefits for the residents of the municipalities,” he emphasized.
Source: milenio
