At a glance
The project generates clean electricity using wind energy through the construction and operation of a wind farm, located in the municipality of Unión Hidalgo in Oaxaca State, in the southern part of Mexico. This will significantly contribute to the sustainable development in the region. The renewable sourced power represents an important solution, as the Mexican electric generation mix is greatly weighted towards fossil fuels. Furthermore, the project helps to stimulate the growth of the wind power industry in Mexico and serves as a demonstration for wider application of wind power technology and other projects for clean renewable electricity generation on a local and national level.
CO₂ benefits
As is known, human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are one of the main drivers of climate change. Renewable energy sources are critical in the fight against global warming. The project activity promotes the growth of renewable capacity by increasing the amount of renewably sourced power in Mexico grid. The purpose of the The Piedra Larga project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil-fuel based electricity with renewable and clean wind energy, avoiding GHG emissions estimated in 243,345 tonnes of CO2 per year. Next to that, it reduces other pollutants (CO, NOx, SO2) resulting from the power generation industry in Mexico.
Biodiversity benefits
In order to ensure the protection of biodiversity, the Biodiversity Use and Knowledge National Commission (CONABIO) has defined priority regions as well as bird conversation areas. The wind farm is located in an environmental authorised area, hence not putting any rare and valuable animal or plant species at risk. The nearer protected natural areas are situated at least 70 km away from the Piedra Larga wind farm project site. Furthermore, this project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which is one of the main drivers of climate change. Global warming poses a range of threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Therefore, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere plays an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the long run.
Socio-economic benefits
The project activity creates local employment opportunities to local people that are needed for the construction, operation and maintenance of the wind farm. In addition to the 375 direct jobs that were created during the construction phase, the Piedra Larga wind farm project had a positive impact in the creation of more indirect jobs where a total of 80 jobs were created. Overall, the project contributes to Mexico’s overall income through the payment of taxes. Furthermore, landowners will be able to generate additional income by leasing out their land. The wind energy provides a barrier against the volatility of fossil fuels by securing the supply of clean energy. This positively contributes to the living standards of the local people and avoids the dependence on fossil fuels.
Project gallery
Location of the project
Project verification
Clean Development Mechanism - Certified Emission Reduction
This project is CDM CER verified. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is operationale since 2006 and is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CDM offers the public and private sector in high-income nations the opportunity to purchase carbon credits from offset projects in low or middle-income nations, stimulating sustainable development, local economies, and emission reduction.
