Energy at the Border: Strategies for a Sustainable Transition

The border cities of Mexico and the United States face a dual challenge: ensuring access to reliable and sustainable energy while reducing their carbon footprint. In this region, where population growth and economic activity are rapidly advancing, the energy transition is more than a necessity—it is an opportunity to drive innovation, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life.

Boosting Renewable Energy

The potential for renewable energy in border cities is immense, thanks to high levels of solar radiation and wind currents in key areas. Cities like Mexicali and El Paso are leading the way with projects that harness these resources. For instance, Mexicali has promoted the installation of solar farms, while El Paso Electric has expanded its renewable generation capacity, achieving a significant supply of solar energy for its consumers.

The promotion of tax incentives and access to financing from institutions such as the North American Development Bank (NADB) has been crucial in attracting investments for these projects. Additionally, bilateral agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) foster cross-border cooperation in research and development of renewable technologies.

Energy Efficiency Technologies

Energy efficiency is another cornerstone of this transition. In Tijuana, for example, government and private initiatives have promoted the adoption of LED lighting systems in public spaces and buildings, significantly reducing electricity consumption. San Diego, on the other hand, has invested in modernizing smart grids, enabling more efficient monitoring of energy consumption and better integration of renewable sources.

The industrial sectors, predominant in the region, are also adopting advanced technologies to optimize energy use. Modernization programs in maquiladoras have reduced reliance on fossil fuels through the use of solar panels and heat recovery systems.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite progress, the energy transition faces significant challenges. The lack of adequate infrastructure, high initial costs, and regulatory barriers between the two countries limit the expansion of these strategies. However, the region also offers unique opportunities, such as abundant renewable resources and proximity to highly developed markets.

Collaboration among local governments, businesses, and international organizations is key to overcoming these challenges. Initiatives like Border 2025, focused on environmental sustainability, can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and promote technical training on both sides of the border.

Expanding on Border 2025

Border 2025 is an initiative aimed at accelerating progress in environmental sustainability through:

• Technical training: Driving skill development to install, operate, and maintain renewable technologies.

• Investment in green infrastructure: Modernizing electrical grids and building energy storage facilities.

The energy transition in border cities is not just a response to climate change but a strategy for building more resilient and competitive economies. Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies not only reduces emissions but also strengthens binational cooperation, positioning the region as a model of sustainability and progress.

Written by: Editorial