Mexico's landscape on Energy and Society: the transition within the transition

Mexico has embarked upon a pathway to an energy transition, with changes in public policy that extend far beyond clean energy. In recent years the energy market has shifted from closed centralized state-run energy system, to an open market where the private sector now has a chance to partake in the generation and commercialization of energy. With the recent changes in legislation, Mexico has, on paper, not only modified the market and generation of energy, but committed to reducing emissions to meet international recommendations.

Now, the challenge presented by the modifications on the legislation, have an additional dimension. Last December, Mexico entered of political transition. After a long period of neoliberalist governments, the original post-revolutionary discourse around energy and social issues has re-emerged in what is being called La cuarta transformación. This new government brings the promise of placing the focus of polity back to well-being and empowerment for all, with an explicit acknowledgment of Mexico’s cultural and socioeconomic diversity.

Biography

Dr. Karla Graciela Cedano Villavicencio

Karla is Doctor in Engineering and Applied Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos in Mexico. Her research focuses on energy and social sciences, innovation and knowledge management.

She is a member of ACSHEM, the Morelos State Academy of Social Sciences and Humanities. As part of her public science work, she participates regularly as a commentator on science, technology and innovation in the morning TV newscast of Televisa Morelos.

She is a mentor of RedMEREE, the Women’s Network on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, a member of the Secretaría de Energía’s Advisory Council for the Energy Transition, and Technical Leader of Conacyt’s Solar Energy Network.

In addition, Karla is head of the Technology Management and Outreach Secretary at IER-UNAM, Renewable Energy Institute of the National Autonomous University, Chief Administrative Officer of CeMIE-Sol, the Mexican Innovation Centre on Solar Energy, and vice-president of ANES, the National Association of Solar Energy.