To be or not to be?
The Secretaría de Energía’s lofty proposed goal that 25% of Mexico’s installed electricity generation capacity be provided by renewable energy sources by the end of 2012 looks to be just a touch out of reach. But unachieved goals notwithstanding, there is no question that topics related to renewable energy and clean technology in general are enjoying unprecedented levels of attention right now. The surge of interest in bio-ethanol a couple years ago not only fanned the flames of the local food vs. fuel debate but also stimulated the proposal or development of a number of experimental bio-fuel projects in Mexico. The initial frenzy over bio-fuel seems to have cooled somewhat since 2007, fortunately, but interest in well grounded projects and the potential for alternative fuel production in the country remains. This week three events are being held at the María Isabel Sheraton here in Mexico City: Carbon Markets Mexico & Central America, Biofuels Markets Mexico and Central America, and Jatropha Markets Americas, information on which can be found at www.greenpowerconferences.com .
Other upcoming events related to sustainability topics include:
V Congreso Internacional de Transporte Sustentable
October 12 – 14, 2009, World Trade Center, Mexico City
Info: www.congresotransportesustentable.org
XVI Border Energy Forum
October 15 – 16, 2009, Houston, Texas
Info: www.glo.state.tx.us/energy/border/forum/16/
Tercer Congreso Nacional de Suelo Urbano
October 28 – 30, 2009, Mérida, Yucatán
Info: www.cmq.edu.mx/documentos/Convocatorias/prourba/convocatoria_Suelo_2009.pdf
1er Congreso Internacional sobre Ciudades Sustentables
October 25 – 26, 2009, Morelia, Michoacán
Info: www.ciudadessustentables.org