An unseasonably intense heat wave has struck Mexico, triggering widespread power outages described as “exceptional” by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. On Wednesday, the president addressed the nation, assuring citizens that despite the rolling blackouts affecting around 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, the national power grid has sufficient generating capacity to meet the heightened demand.
At a regular government press conference, President Lopez Obrador emphasized the government’s commitment to coordinate with private power producers, who contribute to approximately half of Mexico’s electricity generation. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the soaring temperatures, stating, “This was something exceptional that was not expected. But we’re going to be very attentive to this special situation we’re dealing with.”
Data from grid operator CENACE indicated that on Wednesday morning, national power demand peaked at approximately 44.9 gigawatts (GW), closely matching the net generation capacity of 45.0 GW. The narrow margin underscores the strain placed on the energy infrastructure by the extreme weather conditions.
The heat wave not only disrupted the daily lives of millions but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in energy systems when faced with unexpected climatic events. As countries around the world grapple with similar challenges, the situation in Mexico serves as a potent reminder of the need for resilient and adaptable energy strategies.
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Mexico heat wave triggers 'exceptional' power outages, president says
cgtn.com
