OCEAN ENERGY HARVESTING IN MEXICO: LESSONS LEARNED

The over-exploitation of fossil fuels has caused serious damage to coastal ecosystems. However, despite the many and varied potential sources of renewable energy in Mexico, harnessing them is limited by: the heavy reliance of the economy on fossil fuels; the simplicity and low costs involved in exploiting fossil resources, given existing infrastructure; the lack of information and knowledge concerning the exploitation of renewable energy sources; the limited research capacity and the high costs involved in developing competitive technologies for sustainable energy production, which means a significant dependence on patient investment; and the very strict social and environmental requirements which are often placed for energy harvesting from renewable sources. The main achievements of CEMIE-Océano have been: national integration of 42 institutions and companies in collaborations, with over 800 people participating to date; training and specialization of human resources; strengthening relations between academia and industry; promotion of innovation and technology transfer; solidifying and expanding scientific and technological research capacities, as well as promoting collaboration with companies in the energy sector, and; developing a portfolio of specific projects.