Analysis, Commentary

U.S. Can Boost Ties with Mexico Through Increased Renewable Energy Trade, New Report Says


Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating site in Primm, Nevada
This February 2014 photo shows some of the 300,000 computer-controlled mirrors at the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating site in Primm, Nevada. AP/Chris Carlson

Washington, D.C. —(ENEWSPF)—October 27, 2017

By: Joel Martinez

A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) urges the United States to increase renewable energy trade with Mexico. The report says U.S. companies that manufacture solar panels can build part or all of the panels in the United States and install them in northern deserts of Mexico using existing North American trade and production systems.

This strategy not only would benefit U.S. solar panel manufacturing, it offers a boost to exports and the production of clean energy products, the report finds. And it would benefit producers and consumers on both sides of the border who would gain access to affordable and more environmentally friendly forms of electricity.

Increasing renewable energy trade with Mexico strengthens American manufacturing, benefits producers and consumers on both sides of the border, improves border security and encourages sustainable border infrastructure—all while competing with China’s growing presence in the global solar industry, the report says.

Cooperation in the renewable energy sector also could help shore up the United States’ most important binational relationship at a time of heightened stress created by the current U.S. administration’s negative rhetoric and policies affecting Mexico.

Read the report: “Boosting U.S.-Mexico Clean Energy Cooperation” by Joel Martinez.

Source: www.americanprogress.org


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