Abby L. Harvey
GHG Monitor
8/29/2014
The World Bank posted a tender late last week calling for consultants to explore the development of a regulatory framework for carbon capture utilization and storage in Mexico. Consultants are asked to submit an expression of interest by Sept. 4 providing information relevant to their qualifications. This information should include the qualifications of all team members, their skill sets and CVs. Further, the tender states that qualified consultants should provide information on their experience with similar assignments, “including the development of regulatory frameworks for CCS or CCUS in other countries.”
In March, SENER, the Mexican Ministry of Energy, released a CCUS Technology Roadmap laying out a path for the deployment of CCUS technology in the country. The roadmap calls for a regulatory framework analysis to be completed by 2015. “Although leading countries have uncertainties about CCUS full implementation, some regulatory framework for CO2 management, sequestration methods and monitoring responsibilities have been developed. Mexico should make a diagnosis of all regulations to ensure the right use of the technology and define responsibilities between the stakeholders,” the document says.
The roadmap also calls for the government to link with international institutions in CCUS science and technology. “Among the main barriers for CCUS development in Mexico is due to the lack of capacity building, both for technology infrastructure and availability of human resources. Thus, the importance of international networking for knowledge and technology transfer for Mexico to develop its own capabilities,” the document says. The Global CCS Institute hosted a dialogue with members of the Mexican government in February. Participants included Leonardo Beltran, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Energy Transition.
Also in near term goals, the roadmap seeks to develop national and international funding mechanisms for technology implementation by 2016. “CCUS technology requires significant capital investment resources, therefore the participation of the Ministry of Finance (SHCP) should be also considered. Moreover, collaboration among Government, private sector and research institutions should be encouraged and strengthen. There are international mechanisms responsible to support the climate change mitigation technologies as CCUS, where Mexico takes part; however, more international support will be required,” the document says.
