Bioenergy Sources and Representative Case Studies in Mexico

Energy policies during the last years have tried to promote the use and development of renewable energy, with bioenergy representing the highest potential. It is estimated that this source could supply 40% of primary energy consumption in Mexico, with a potential production of 3,569 PJ/year. Attempts to exploit biomass energy in Mexico have encouraged the development of various technologies, focused mainly in the production of biogas, biodiesel and improvement of wood stoves and charcoal furnaces. These technologies have relevant projects throughout the country. Biogas has been generated using landfills, swine waste and wastewater. Biodiesel has been produced from different sources such as, oleaginous crops, recycled oil or animal tallow. Finally, since the use of firewood as heating and cooking source is widely used in Mexico (27 million people), development of this technology has also played an important role in the exploitation of bioenergy as well as the improvement of charcoal furnaces.This paper presents an overview of the potential of bioenergy potential and presents main case studies in Mexico.