The water crisis, the energy transition, and electromobility cannot be analyzed separately. This was the argument put forward by Yolanda Villegas, CEO of Oleum and president of the Mexican Association of Storage, Electrification, and Mobility (AMAEM) , during the webinar “Water, Energy Transition, and Electromobility ,” organized by the Secretariat of Economic Development of Tamaulipas.
In her presentation, the specialist warned that water has become one of the main global risks to human survival and argued that Mexico faces increasing pressure stemming from climate change, industrial expansion, and the rise in energy demand.
“Instead of calling ourselves planet Earth, we should call ourselves planet water,” he said.
Villegas González emphasized that the water problem is not only due to the physical scarcity caused by reduced rainfall, but also to an “economic scarcity” related to the lack of infrastructure to bring water to different communities.
In this context, he explained that Mexico faces an unequal distribution of the resource: while the north and center of the country concentrate the greatest industrial and economic activity, much of the available water is located in the south.
He pointed out that the country requires comprehensive water management that considers not only the extraction of the resource, but also its environmental, social and economic impacts.
He also raised the need to explore new technologies for water supply, such as the so-called “ultra-deep underground mega-basins” , a model that seeks to take advantage of water reserves located between three thousand and five thousand meters deep.
According to the speaker, these types of solutions could represent less invasive alternatives than large dams or desalination plants, as they require less infrastructure, less development time, and less environmental impact.
The energy transition is no longer optional.
Villegas warned that the increase in global energy demand continues to drive the use of fossil fuels and, with it, the increase in polluting emissions and global temperature.
He explained that the energy sector currently generates more than 73% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions , so he considered it urgent to accelerate the shift towards clean energy.
During the webinar , he defined the energy transition as the gradual process by which economies migrate from a matrix based on fossil fuels to one based on renewable energies, electrification and clean technologies.
Among the pillars of this transition he mentioned decarbonization, energy decentralization, digitalization and democratization of access to energy.
The specialist highlighted that Mexico has strategic advantages for this transformation thanks to its solar, wind and hydroelectric potential, particularly in states like Tamaulipas .
However, he also defended the use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy as part of an orderly transition strategy.
“There are countries that continue to use oil, coal, and gas while urging emerging economies to stop. Mexico must take advantage of its energy resources while developing new technologies,” he argued.
Electromobility
Another key topic was electromobility, which, according to Villegas González, will transform the transport industry in the coming decades.
He noted that by 2030, up to 50% of the world’s vehicles could be fully or partially electric , while by 2040 more than 500 million electric vehicles would be on the road globally.
In the case of Mexico, he highlighted the growth of the electric automotive industry and the country’s potential as a producer of auto parts.
“Electromobility doesn’t just mean buying electric vehicles; it requires charging infrastructure, regulation, tax incentives, training, and smarter electrical grids,” he explained.
He also highlighted the progress of cities like Mexico City in incorporating electric buses into public transport, although he acknowledged that there are still significant regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
Among them, he mentioned the lack of public charging stations , the absence of regulation for the final disposal of batteries, the need for safety protocols for fires in electric vehicles, insufficient tax incentives and poor legislative coordination.
The expert insisted that the energy transition will depend largely on political will and the ability of governments to promote clear public policies.
“Public policy is fundamental. Without it there will be no regulation, incentives, or implementation,” he stated.
He also stressed that the State must maintain a leading role in energy, environmental and water issues to guarantee energy security, food security and access to water.
Villegas González argued that sustainable mobility begins with a cultural shift and a change in transportation habits, prioritizing efficient public systems, sustainable infrastructure, and less polluting technologies.
“The goal is not only to electrify vehicles, but to build more efficient, resilient and sustainable cities ,” he stressed.
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21
