Mexico unveils electric power development plan

Mexico has unveiled its electric power system development program (Prodesen) aimed at modernizing and expanding the grid to meet growing demand, raise the quality of services, lower prices and reduce greenhouse gases.

Prodesen will serve as a reference point for investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, including a high-voltage line from the isthmus of Tehuantepec to the country's central region, according to the energy ministry (Sener).

Mexico's energy transition law, approved last December, sets out binding renewables targets to 2050, including a target of 25% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2018.

State utility CFE has earmarked 24 projects in as many states to reduce energy generation costs and technical losses and theft in the country's transmission and distribution network, the utility's chief executive Enrique Ochoa Reza said during the program's presentation.

Sener's undersecretary for electricity César Emiliano Hernández Ochoa said the program seeks to integrate the country's new generation capacity to create cheap, clean and efficient electricity and strengthen the country's transmission network, developing future electricity corridors in the country's north and south to benefit industry and the population.

Prodesen substitutes the electricity sector works and investments program (Poise).