Is distributed generation the solution to the energy problem in industrial parks?

It is estimated that the industrial sector is responsible for 31% of the Greenhouse Gas emissions in the country The lack of energy has become one of the barriers for Mexico to take advantage of the potential of nearshoring, especially with the arrival of hundreds of companies that have invigorated the industrial real estate sector. According to an analysis by the firm Energía Real, distributed generation, which is the one that transforms sunlight into electricity, emerges as an option to maintain a continuous and reliable supply of energy to industries located in industrial parks, as it protects their production in the event of power outages. “Given the expectations generated by nearshoring in Mexico, it is urgent to solve the problems related to electricity supply in order to stimulate the arrival of greater Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In particular, industrial parks require solutions that guarantee their operational success, especially when the electricity system is under stress and power outages occur,” reads the firm’s analysis. According to the document, distributed solar generation, as an energy supply model, is less expensive than the traditional one, which not only benefits companies, but also helps them to comply with their commitments focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. This is relevant because, according to the Economy and Development Report of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the industrial sector is responsible for 31% of GHG emissions in the country, while energy systems contribute another 25%. Model to address the problem
Santiago Villagómez, CEO of Energía Real, the model offered by the firm guarantees annual economic savings of up to 40% and the displacement of up to 100% of carbon dioxide gas emissions. “Industries that use distributed generation experience great savings and have greater control over their electricity budget, as they have access to a monitoring platform with environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. This allows them to manage their electricity consumption and expenses more efficiently,” Villagómez said. Mexico is currently among the 10 most attractive countries for foreign direct investment, according to the Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks, so it is important for the firm to ensure electricity supply through distributed generation.