Overview on the current SMR’s development status in Mexico

Edmond Grieger

Von Wobeser y Sierra, Mexico City

egrieger@vwys.com.mx  

The Political Constitution of the Mexican United States (the ‘Constitution’), establishes the principles of economic rectory of the State; planning of the national development; strategic activities and the regulation of economic activities non reserved to the State.

In terms of electric energy, Article 27 of the Constitution defines that the planning and control of the National Electric System as well as the public service of transmission and distribution of electric energy are exclusively the responsibility of the Nation. Article 28 of the Constitution states that the functions that the State provides exclusively in the public service of transmission and distribution of electricity are strategic areas without constituting monopolies.[1]

Under these lines, and in order to discuss the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Mexico, we will have to analyse the statements of the different Mexican federal governmental bodies in charge of the energy policies in Mexico, which will provide relevant information on the current status, backgrounds and strategies of the Mexican Government regarding the potential to develop SMR’s projects in Mexico.

The Ministry of Energy is the primary governmental body responsible for energy policy in Mexico. It publishes reports, plans and policy documents related to nuclear energy, including SMRs. Recently, the Mexican Ministry of Energy has not issued a specific public statement or press release regarding the development of SMRs; however, the interest in SMRs globally is increasing, and Mexico is part of this trend due to the potential benefits of SMRs, such as flexibility in deployment, lower initial costs and suitability for a cleaner energy transition.

The National Commission on Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS) oversees the regulatory framework for nuclear energy in Mexico, it provides safety guidelines and regulations regarding nuclear reactors. The CNSNS’s focus has been primarily on ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of current nuclear operations, such as the Laguna Verde nuclear power plant, rather than making explicit public statements about new nuclear technologies like SMRs. The emphasis on safety and compliance suggests that any future projects involving SMRs would undergo rigorous safety evaluations and regulatory scrutiny in line with their current practices.

It also important to refer to the primary legal framework related to nuclear power, the Regulatory Law on Nuclear Matters of Article 27 of the Constitution entered into force on 5 February 1985 which gives the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) exclusively, the right to generate electric power from nuclear fuels. The CFE is Mexico’s state-owned electric utility and plays a crucial role in implementing nuclear energy projects, including SMRs, and it has shown interest in developing SMRs as part of its strategy to diversify energy sources and enhance the country’s nuclear energy capabilities. In recent discussions, CFE has highlighted the potential of SMRs to provide flexible, reliable and low-carbon power, which aligns with Mexico’s broader energy transition goals.

While there has not been a formal, detailed public declaration from CFE exclusively outlining a concrete plan or timeline for SMR deployment, the utility has been actively involved in discussions and evaluations, signalling a positive outlook towards adopting this advanced nuclear technology in the near future.

The National Institute for Nuclear Research (ININ) conducts research and development into nuclear technology, including SMRs, and it has been actively involved in discussions about the future of nuclear energy in Mexico. In recent years, ININ has supported initiatives for the construction of additional nuclear reactors to meet growing energy demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including the evaluation of the feasibility of both large-scale reactors and SMRs, which could provide a more flexible and scalable solution for the country’s energy need.

Furthermore, ININ emphasises the importance of nuclear energy as part of Mexico’s strategy to achieve its clean energy goals, and advocates for increased investment in nuclear research and development, as well as international cooperation to enhance technological capabilities and ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear power.

It is also relevant to address the studies carried out by international agencies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which provides extensive information and support regarding the development of nuclear energy projects, including SMRs, in Mexico. Although, this study does not identify specific future development plans in Mexico to develop new nuclear power plants, it does provide extensive information and support regarding the potential for the development of clean energy projects, including technical cooperation, safety standards and capacity-building initiatives to support Mexico’s nuclear energy sector.[2]

Finally, it is also worth mentioning that the National Electric System Development Program (PRODESEN) 2022–2036, refers to several plans for Mexico’s energy future, including the potential development of nuclear power plants. Although the primary focus is on expanding renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, nuclear energy, including SMRs, is considered as part of the diversification strategy to meet future energy demands and secure the transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources. The PRODESEN also notes that the CFE is investigating the modernisation of existing hydroelectric plants and exploring new technologies for energy generation. The document emphasises the importance of enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply, which includes considering advanced nuclear technologies.[3]

While the Mexican Ministry of Energy and the CFE have shown interest in expanding nuclear energy, detailed plans and timelines for SMR deployment are yet to be explicitly outlined, Nevertheless, we may conclude that there is a collaborative agenda, as well as the essential national policies and corresponding legal framework to set the foundations for Mexico’s potential integration of SMRs into its energy strategy, contributing to a more reliable, low-carbon energy future.

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