Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan
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National initiative
The Sonora´s Plan is an ambitious project by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador aimed at fostering a genuine energy transition in the country. Its primary objective is to prioritize the use of renewable and clean energies over fossil fuel sources.
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Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan
The Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan is part of the presidential initiative involving the state government with the aim of promoting the use of renewable energies in the state. Essentially, it constitutes a comprehensive ecosystem of actions geared towards a true energy transition in Mexico, prioritizing renewable or clean energies over fossil fuels.
It marks the beginning of a new development model for the country, aligning with Mexico's international commitments to decarbonize its economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030.
The Sonora Plan aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and operates under various pillars, including:
The Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan is an ecosystem consisting of four action axes:
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Energies
The Mexico Government and the Sonora State Government have joined forces in a joint effort to actively promote the generation of renewable energies. This strategic collaboration aims to foster an ecosystem of sustaibable development that addresses the country’s energy challenges.
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Strategic minerals
Mexico’s largest lithium reserve in Sonora makes it a crucial point for the national strategy. This essential mineral for batteries and new technologies drives the transition towards electric and sustainable mobility, while also promoting competitiveness in the automotive and semiconductor industries.
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Infrastructure
The state will be provided with adequate infrastructure to meet the demands of the industry through the creation of Scientific Parks and the implementation of the Northwest Logistics Gateway. These developments, already underway, are supported by a focus on resource sustainability, including the use of clean energy.
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Human Talent
The Sonora Plan proposes a strategic collaboration between Conahcyt and SEP for talent development, through various programs and careers. This includes the creation of new engineering programs, specialized diplomas in semiconductors and lithium, as well as workshops, training sessions, mobility programs, and the consolidation of research centers.
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The Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan
The Plan has garnered support from the European Union, the World Bank, and other international organizations. It has also been praised by energy experts, who believe that Sonora has the potential to be a leader in renewable energy development.
Presented at COP27 and COP 28:
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Why Sonora?
Sonora, due to its privileged geographic location, offers the full potential for the establishment of a new logistic ecosystem.
It boasts deserts, seas, valleys, forests, and mountains. This diversity of natural resources facilitates the development of almost any economic activity, allowing the state to stand out nationally in activities such as agriculture, livestock, fishing, mining, manufacturing, and services. Additionally, the solar radiation received by the region is one of the highest worldwide, similar to the one recorded in the Sahara Desert.
These are the key points to highlight (Benefits for Mexico's National Project):
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What does it involve and how is it executed?
According to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Sonora Plan is the strategy to ensure that 50% of vehicles assembled in Mexico by 2030 are zero-emission.
Through this comprehensive project and with fiscal incentives, the Mexican government aims to attract new automotive investments to increase the production of electric vehicles nationwide.
The model of the Sonora Plan includes major projects:
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Puerto Peñasco Solar Park and photovoltaic plants
Sonora is building the largest photovoltaic power plant in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world.
The federal government's strategy with this major project is to transform Sonora into one of the world's leading energy hubs. The solar plant in Puerto Peñasco will have a generation capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) and will supply electricity to 1.6 million users, according to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
Progress is also being made on the construction of five additional solar power plants as part of the Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan in San Luis Río Colorado, Caborca, Fundición, Navojoa, and Puerto Peñasco II. The investment for these projects is estimated at $12.825 billion, according to the CFE.
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Lithium. Exploration and responsible extraction.
Mexico currently ranks tenth in global lithium reserves, according to the United States Geological Survey. On February 18, 2023, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signed a decree for the nationalization of lithium, declaring 234,855 hectares in the municipalities of Bacadéhuachi, Arivechi, Divisaderos, Granados, Huásabas, Nácori Chico, and Sahuaripa in the high sierra of the state as a mining reserve zone.
Additionally, Mexico has established a decentralized public body called Litio para México (LitioMX), through which the Mexican government will manage the entire production chain of the mineral. This includes exploration, exploitation, and activities related to its derivative products, all conducted in an environmentally responsible and friendly manner.
Sonora is the epicenter of lithium nationalization:
10th
position is Mexico's rank in global lithium reserves.
235,000
hectares declared national property in Bacadéhuachi and surrounding municipalities.
243.8 million tons
estimated lithium carbonate reserves
Nationalization of lithium
and creation of LitioMX for partnerships with companies.
Environmentally friendly management of the production chain.
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Batteries and semiconductors
Semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology. Due to the importance of this technology, the state government aims to link the Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan, leveraging lithium, with Arizona’s battery and semiconductor project in the United States, and establish companies developing this technology in Sonora.
To achieve this linkage and simultaneously encourage the attraction of investments and infrastructure, the modernization of the nine border crossings with Arizona is already underway. However, the Sonora Plan goes further, seeking to enhance electromobility and semiconductor production through a value chain that begins with the extraction of lithium and critical minerals, and extends to the assembly of electric vehicles, all within the same international region.
In the semiconductor industry, the Sonora Plan specifically offers:
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Development of Human Talent
The axis of Human Talent involves a series of actions and agreements between the Sonora State Government and local, national and international higher education institutions. As well as research centers and private and public entities aligned with the objectives of the Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan.
The State of Sonora has significant potential of skilled workforce available for scientific parks. Data indicates that more than 5,500 engineers graduate annually and there are over 36,000 engineering students. Additionally, there are 437 research institutions, making Sonora the second State in Mexico with the highest number of researchers registered in the National System of Researchers.
In line with the above, the Council for Sustainable Development, under its Talent Development axis, has initiated significant activities in this area, which are outlined in the following aspects:
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Alliance with North America Universities
Among the academic actions of the Government of the State of Sonora is the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the State Executive with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Embassy of Mexico in the United States in November 2022, for the joint development of academic programs in semiconductors.
One of the first concrete actions between ASU and the Government of the State of Sonora was the delivery by ASU of a Semiconductor Diploma course, which was adapted by the External Advisors Group of CODESO and uploaded to the platform of the Instituto Tecnológico de México (TecNM) for free and open registration. Thus, on May 29, 2023, the Instituto Tecnológico de México started an online diploma course lasting 120 hours. It was aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, academics, researchers, professionals, and the general public with related areas of knowledge.
Another action derived from the alliance was the Train the Trainers Workshop, which in its first phase was directed to researchers and professors from Sonora and Mexico with the aim of strengthening curricula and research on semiconductor manufacturing processes. This first phase of the Train the Trainers workshop aimed to improve the teaching skills of the participants by equipping them with innovative techniques, strategies, and approaches to foster interactive learning environments in the field of semiconductor manufacturing.
The second part of the Train the Trainers Workshop was conducted by ASU at its facilities and was primarily directed to participants of the first part held in Hermosillo, Sonora, in July 2023.
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Creation of new academic programs
To enrich the future workforce in the State of Sonora, the higher education institutions are proposing, updating and creating academic programs focused on semiconductors and electromobility. As of March 2024, the following advances have been made in this area:
Opening of Semiconductor Engineering at the Universidad de Sonora (Hermosillo campus):
- There are around 66 second semester students.
- In August 2024, approximately 80 students are expected.
- In addition, there are 150 electronic technology engineering students, who have knowledge in simulation and modeling of semiconductor devices.
Opening of Semiconductor Engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico de Hermosillo:
- There are around 29 second semester students.
Opening of Semiconductor Engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico de Nogales:
- There are 12 second semester students.
Awaiting approval of the Semiconductor and Electromobility Engineering at the Universidad Tecnológica de Hermosillo
The existence of related academic programs must be considered:
- Semiconductor engineering: electronics, electrical and mechatronic
- Electromobility engineering: electronics, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, and renewable energies
In such a way that Sonora has the academic programs mentioned in most of its universities (public and private), which allows students to specialize in the strategic sectors of the Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan.
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Tripartite Alliance for the Establishment of the Binational Center for Semiconductor Development
The government of the State of Sonora and the National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (CONAHCYT) sign a Collaboration Agreement that seeks to address two fundamental aspects of the Sonora Plan:
Strategic Infrastructure:
- Science parks.
- Binational Research Center.
Human Capital:
- Academic programs
- Student Mobility: special calls with certain countries and areas of interest
- Researchers Network: Researchers for Mexico and Postdoctoral Stays.
- Research Projects.
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Initiation of student mobility processes
There is agreement with three universities of Taiwan to receive 30 students of the State of Sonora. These institutions have a high academic level in topics related to the Sonora Plan: Electromobility, automotion and semiconductors. Some of the best universities in the state of Sonora are participating in this ex change.
- Universidad de Sonora
- Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora
- Universidad Estatal de Sonora
- Universidad de la Sierra
- Tecnológico Nacional de México (campus Hermosillo y Guaymas)
- Universidad Kino
On the other hand, the receiving universities in this first student mobility effort are the following:
- Tsing Hua University
Considered the best National University in Semiconductor, industrial, nuclear, chemical and materials engineering.
- Cheng Kung University
Considered the best National University in electronic engineering, as well as aerospace engineering, medical science and semiconductors.
- Sourthern Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Considered the best private technological university in electronic, chemical and materials engineering, and digital design.
- Industrial Technology Research Institute
In addition to study at the receiving university, Sonora students will receive training at the Industrial Technology Research Institute, which is a leader in professional technology training and training consulting. This institute will be in charge of linking Sonora students with Taiwanese companies related to the themes of the Sonora Plan.
The students to be sent have an outstanding to excellent academic grade, with the best averages in their respective universities. Important characteristics were also taken into account, such as their command of the English language, as well as extracurricular activities related to the topic of semiconductors, electromobility and engineering in general. It is important to note that work is currently underway to apply the same linkage methodology with countries of the European Union, Korea and China.
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Implementation Actions of the Sonora Plan
The state is experiencing a new era of prosperity and development, focusing on boosting photovoltaic energy production, gas liquefaction, modernization of the Port of Guaymas, and establishing value chains. To advance the transition efforts towards clean energy, several key actions are being carried out, including:
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Natural Gas liquefaction plant in Puerto Libertad
The construction of the natural gas liquefaction plant in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, is positioned as one of the most significant projects that the state of Sonora offers to the world. This ambitious project not only represents an economic boost for the region but also projects significant global benefits.
Mexico Pacific Limited
is constructing the gas pipeline and the liquefaction plant in Puerto Libertad.
13,000 Million Dollars
de inversión.
+13 thousand
direct jobs
+21 thousand
indirect jobs
Gas Pipeline
that will pass through 10 municipalities
250 km
pipeline extension, from Waha, Texas, to the Chihuahua border, and 800 km towards Puerto Libertad in Sonora.
Construction of three liquefaction trains
is planned in the first phase, with a total capacity of 15 million metric tons per year.
Export to Asia, Middle East
and other markets.
Puerto Libertad, Sonora
is where the plant is being built.
Strategic Location
situated in the Gulf of California.
Reduced transportation costs
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Infrastructure projects of the Sonora Plan that are underway:
Plan Sonora has launched a series of infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic development and improving connectivity in the region.
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Northwest logistic gateway
Economic growth and development require infrastructure that supports the consolidation of connectivity across regions via air, sea, and land.
The construction of the Northwest Logistic Gateway is the proposal of the current state government and represents the most ambitious comprehensive connectivity and productivity infrastructure plan for the northern border. This plan involves both public and private investment. The primary objective is to revitalize and stimulate the economy of Sonora and the northwest of Mexico.
These are the key elements that the plan considers:
- Modernization of customs
- Guaymas-Nogales fiscal corridor
- Railway bypass in Nogales (63 km) with a 7 billion MXN investment from the federal government
- Modernization of the Nogales fiscal bypass
- Expansion of the Ciudad Obregón airport
- Expansion of the Querobabi military checkpoint
- Rehabilitation of the Guaymas- Chihuahua highway
- Modernization of the Port of Guaymas
- Construction and operation of highways and bypasses
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Strategy of the Government of Sonora
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Sustainable ecosystem
The Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan promotes a sustainable ecosystem that includes the electromobility and semiconductor industries and the development of their supply chains; human talent; energy; and the strategic infrastructure
Electromobility value chain
- Development of the value chain of the electromobility industry, from the mining phase to the manufacturing of batteries and electric vehicles. Sonora possesses the largest lithium reserve in Mexico, a critical mineral for the industry.
- Sonora has a project to create the required environment with infrastructure and talent to establish highly specialized Back-End processes in the semiconductor industry.
Human Talent
- With a high level of coordination, the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies, the Ministry of Education in Mexico, and the government of the state of Sonora have developed specialized programs for the development of human talent in high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, aiming for educational innovation.
- An international Research and Development (R&D) center for semiconductors is underway. This agreement between Arizona State University, CONAHCYT, and the Government of Sonora will serve as a collaboration point between semiconductor companies and academia, with the aim of nurturing the talent of scientists and engineers that Mexico needs to seize this historic opportunity.
Energy
- A 1 GW solar plant in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. This solar plant is the largest in Latin America. Additional plants will be built that will produce up to 5 GW.
- The solar plants will be located in different strategic regions to supply clean energy to the international ecosystem of electromobility.
Strategic Infrastructure
- With the development of Scientific Parks, infrastructure will be provided according to the industry's requirements.
- An ideal environment for innovation through infrastructure that combines services, support from academia, industry, and Research and Development Centers with a global vision.
- Sustainable resource management, caring for the site's environment.
