Relatively simple renewable energy technologies can improve water and energy efficiency in Mexico’s water-stressed areas, says a report from the Clean Energy Incubator, University of Texas at Austin. Case studies from Mexico City, Southern Mexico, and Baja California reveal that solar water heating, distributed rainwater harvesting, and solar pumping can go a long way toward maximizing available water and energy resources.
However, the burden of financing these technologies could limit their uptake, especially since people may initially be reluctant to pay for services perceived as alien to local culture and customs.
Download the full report: “Clean energy and water: Assessment of Mexico for improved water services with renewable energy”
This is one of four reports produced by the IDRC-funded project Clean Energy and Water: An Assessment of Services for Local Adaptation to Climate Change. The project analyzes how water and renewable energy services can be combined to enhance the resilience of resource-constrained communities to climate variability.