Lithium solar battery project financing options in Mexico 2025

Can a lithium-ion battery make a profit in Mexico?

AMLO and many Mexican policymakers hope to leverage lithium to profit from the rapidly growing value chain of clean energy minerals and technology. Lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies are attracting skyrocketing sums of capital.

Why is lithium mining a problem in Mexico?

First, unregulated lithium mining can threaten local ecosystems through pollution and water loss. Second, drug cartels have a track record of co-opting other natural resources in Mexico to diversify their revenue streams.

Will Mexico's lithium reserves become a key asset?

Global clean energy investment surpassed investment for fossil fuels in 2016 and by 2023, clean energy investment exceeded that for fossil fuels by over half a trillion dollars. 1 This precipitous increase means that Mexico’s lithium reserves may become a crucial asset.

Is there a timeline for lithium production in Mexico?

Lithium in Mexico No timeline has been established for the start of lithium production, following the government’s decision to nationalize the metal and suspend projects, such as the Sonora Lithium project. However, strategic plans are being formulated.

What should Mexico and Sonora do about lithium?

In this context, political leaders in Mexico and community leaders in Sonora should consider the following recommendations: Bring Lithium to the Public Square: A new president will be elected in June 2024. Both candidates should develop specific proposals for lithium development as part of a broader clean energy strategy and debate them.

What is Sonora's lithium plan?

With the nationalization of lithium, López Obrador’s party, Morena—which remains in power under President Claudia Sheinbaum—entered the renewable-energy game. Now, Sonora’s lithium is part of a multipronged strategy called the Plan Sonora de Energías Sostenibles, or the Sonora Plan for Sustainable Energies.