MIT: Independent Activities Period: IAP

IAP 2017



Energy Policy in the context of Climate Change: the case of Mexico

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow, former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions

How does a country reconcile the search for energy security with a commitment to mitigate climate change? What dilemmas do policymakers face in an oil producing country committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Can the energy sector be decarbonized without hurting the economy? How does a government rally support for deployment of energy projects in indigenous communities? How do you ensure that oil revenues are well invested? Why is having a clean energy secure Mexico good for No. America?

In 2013, Mexico approved all-encompassing energy reform at the Constitutional level, simultaneously modernizing the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors following international best practices. Having earlier approved a Climate Change Law (2012), Mexico’s Energy Reform includes elements to promote clean energies and reduce GHG emissions.  

Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, states that “[t]his is not a reform, it's a revolution on an unprecedented scale.” In addition to its depth, Mexico’s energy reform is being implemented in record time. The sense of urgency comes from the need to fuel the country, comply with climate change commitments & boost the competitiveness of the economy.

This seminar, led by a major player in the design and implementation of this historic energy reform, aims at understanding the challenges and dilemmas policymakers face in designing a modern energy sector. Mexico’s Energy Reform will serve as reference for the discussion.

Sponsor(s): Center for International Studies, MIT Mexico Program
Contact: Laurie Scheffler, LAURIES@MIT.EDU


Session 1

Jan/09 Mon 10:30AM-12:00PM E40-496, Pye Conf Rm

Mexico's Energy Reform: Overview

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow - former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico


Session 2

Jan/11 Wed 10:30AM-12:00PM E40-496, Pye Conf Rm

Mexico's Upstream Sector: Resources, contracts and bids.

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow - former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico


Session 3

Jan/18 Wed 10:30AM-12:00PM E40-496, Pye Conf Rm

The Challenges of Creating Energy Markets

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow - former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico


Session 4

Jan/20 Fri 10:30AM-12:00PM E40-496, Pye Conf Rm

The transition to a low-carbon electricity sector

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow - former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico


Session 5

Jan/23 Mon 10:30AM-12:00PM E40-496, Pye Conf Rm

The Importance of Sustainability (financial, social and environmental)

Dr. Lourdes Melgar, CIS Wilhelm Fellow - former Deputy Secretary of Energy of Mexico