ARKANSAS, Sept 26 (Future Headlines)- Mexico’s northern state of Sonora is embarking on an ambitious journey towards renewable energy leadership and participation in the semiconductor supply chain. With the inauguration of the Puerto Penasco solar plant earlier this year, Sonora is making significant strides in clean energy production, intending to export electricity to California and Arizona. Furthermore, the state aims to become a pivotal player in the semiconductor industry, capitalizing on major investments by tech giants like TSMC and Apple’s supplier, Foxconn.

The Puerto Penasco solar plant represents a significant milestone in Mexico’s renewable energy journey, particularly in the state of Sonora. The first phase of the Puerto Penasco solar plant was inaugurated in February. This solar farm is part of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador‘s ambitious solar push aimed at expanding the country’s clean energy capacity. The solar plant’s capacity is substantial, with plans for additional plants in the future. This reflects Mexico’s commitment to harnessing solar power as a vital component of its energy portfolio.

One of the primary objectives of the Puerto Penasco solar plant is to enhance domestic connectivity to the national grid. This connectivity is crucial for delivering renewable energy to households and industries across Mexico. Sonora’s Governor Alfonso Durazo envisions leveraging the Puerto Penasco solar plant to export clean energy to the United States, particularly to the states of Arizona and California. This renewable energy initiative holds the promise of generating economic benefits, fostering job creation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to its renewable energy endeavors, Sonora is eyeing a role in the semiconductor supply chain, driven by significant investments and opportunities in this sector. Governor Durazo has expressed interest in collaborating with Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, to establish semiconductor plants in Sonora. Foxconn’s focus on electric vehicles aligns with Sonora’s ambitions in the semiconductor industry.

While in Taiwan, Governor Durazo expressed the desire to see TSMC, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, establish a chip plant in Sonora. The state views TSMC as a natural complement to its semiconductor plans, given the company’s substantial presence in the industry. Sonora’s entry into the semiconductor supply chain could result in job creation, technology transfer, and opportunities for local talent in the growing tech sector.

Sonora boasts significant lithium deposits, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Mexico’s nationalization of these lithium resources earlier this year positions the state to play a pivotal role in the EV industry. To facilitate lithium production, Governor Durazo emphasizes the importance of private investors partnering with LitioMx, Mexico’s nascent national lithium company. The condition for such partnerships is the establishment of supply chains in Sonora, ensuring local economic development.

Sonora’s dual ambitions in clean energy and the semiconductor industry represent a compelling convergence of two critical sectors. Clean energy is a fundamental requirement for semiconductor manufacturing, which is energy-intensive. Sonora’s clean energy initiatives could provide a sustainable and reliable power source for future semiconductor plants in the state.

The semiconductor industry is intricately linked with the electric vehicle revolution. As EVs become more prevalent, the demand for advanced semiconductors grows. Sonora’s lithium deposits and potential semiconductor manufacturing capabilities position it as a significant player in the EV supply chain. By exporting clean energy to neighboring states in the U.S., Sonora contributes to the broader adoption of renewable energy sources in the region. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Writing by Sarah White