Cozumel’s Innovative Tidal Energy Project Unveiled

The tidal energy project situated between mainland Mexico and the island of Cozumel is set to commence operations this year. The project, led by Uribe Engineers and Associates, aims to provide electricity to the entire island by harnessing the power of the sea. CEO Raúl Uribe explained that the project will utilize four underwater turbines, placed 82 meters deep to avoid disturbing marine life such as dolphins and sharks.

Cozumel and the Riviera Maya are unique in that they have a constant water speed, a characteristic shared by only one other location worldwide, Quintana Roo. Uribe stressed the importance of capitalizing on this rare energy source. The project was initially slated to begin in October of the previous year, but it is now expected to be completed and operational by August or September.

Uribe shared details of this groundbreaking project, the first of its kind in Mexico, at the third annual Electric and Solar Expo of the Caribbean in Cancún. The event also served as a platform to discuss recent changes in Mexico's electrical sector under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

One of the most notable changes is the restructuring of the Electric Energy Regulatory Commission (CREE). Previously an independent autonomous body, it is now a centralized department under the Ministry of Energy. This change could potentially impact the independence of decision-making within the commission. However, the importance of assessing the commission's performance under this new structure, directly dependent on the federal government, was also highlighted.