Over 1GW at risk in indigenous consultation hotspots

The indigenous consultations held by Mexico's energy ministry (Sener) as a legal requirement for energy projects represent a major concern due to lack of legal definition and the unpredictability.

"All energy projects create social problems in Mexico," said Sergio Oceransky, CEO of Yansa Group, which facilitates community relations for renewable projects.

According to Oceransky, a lot of land falls under communal, or ejido law, which creates incentives for powerful people in a community to privatize these properties and capitalize on them as their own private property. This way, energy projects create social discord within communities.

BNamericas asked Oceransky to pick hotspots where projects are being delayed or even at risk of being cancelled due to problems in the consultation process, or where social problems after a consultation have yet to be resolved.

Eólica del Sur

This 396MW wind project in Istmo de Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca state, to be operated by Eólica del Sur, is currently under consideration by Mexico's supreme court as community members dispute the validity of approvals given in community meetings the energy ministry organized. The project was launched in 2013.

Gunaa Sicarú

The community around this 252MW wind park, also in Istmo de Tehuantepec region, Oaxaca state, operated by Mexican company Eólica de Oaxaca has got the consultation process suspended. Oceransky said this is because they consider the consultation process itself to be divisive. Gunaa Sicarú was a winning project in the second long-term energy auction in October 2016.

Ticul A and B

This 310MW solar project operated by Sunpower subsidiary Vega Solar is being built in the jungle of the Yucatan peninsula, where the population is Mayan. Oceransky pointed out that sharp conflicts within the community emerged amid a highly divisive consultation process, still underway. Sener awarded the contract in March 2016 as part of the first long-term transmission auction.

Tizimin

The 88MW wind farm, also in the Yucatan peninsula, is under construction in a Maya-populated area and close to nature reserves. Tizimin is operated by a subsidiary of Mexican company Avant Energy. According to Oceransky, the consultation, which Sener said had been successfully completed, has led to sharp divisions in the community. The wind farm was awarded in the first long-term energy auction in March 2016.

Yucatan Solar (Valladolid)

Also in Maya territory in the Yucatan peninsula, this 70MW solar project is in the consultation phase, the energy ministry said. Yucatan Solar is a JV of China's JingkoSolar and UK-based Solar Century Holdings. This project is also causing conflict within the local community. It was awarded in the first long-term energy auction in March 2016.