The Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP), Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the National Institute of Electricity and Clean Energy (INEEL), and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have launched a joint geothermal initiative, setting a precedent of inter-institutional collaboration for the development of geothermal energy in Mexico.
As Guillermo Lastra Ortiz, Deputy Director of Geoenergy at Pemex’s Energy Transformation Directorate, noted, there have been isolated efforts through the years but the impact of the projects has been limited. This new collaboration symbolizes a paradigm shift in how institutions can work together, thus laying a new foundation for the new model of joint work. “This geothermal project should be the beginning of many others for Mexico’s energy transition,” he stated.
Dr. Elizabeth Mar Juárez, Director General of the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP), emphasized that the collaboration between the four institutions will demonstrate that combining scientific, technical, and operational expertise will be the key to advancing energy transition.
This initiative had began in 2024, as recalled by Mario Ramírez de Santiago, Director of Mechanical Systems at INEEL, but has now solidified into a real and applicable project. He further emphasized the relaunch of geothermal in Mexico is already a reality, with the development of wells in different regions of the country. In 2024, INEEL announced a tender for geothermal drilling at the Cerro Prieto and Las Tres Vírgenes sites, which was eventually awarded to GSM Bronco.
Representing the academe, Héctor Miguel Aviña, Coordinator of the IIDEA Group at the Institute of Engineering of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), commended the work done by the four institutions in promoting technological development as part of establishing geothermal as a cornerstone of the national energy matrix.
Although Mexico remains one of the global leaders in installed geothermal power generation capacity, its growth has been minimal for the better part of the last decade. This collaboration between some of the top stakeholders in Mexico’s energy industry represents positive momentum going forward. With this launch, the IMP, Pemex, INEEL and UNAM reaffirm their commitment to the energy transition, positioning geothermal energy as a key pillar for Mexico’s sustainable energy development.
Source: Gobierno de Mexico
