In a move that will expand the use of renewable energy, create jobs and help strengthen Mexico’s growing industrial base, Mexico Power Group and Volkswagen Mexico announced on September 4th at an event in Zacatecas, a 20-year agreement for Volkswagen Mexico to purchase 130 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from Mexico Power Group’s La Bufa wind farm development in Zacatecas, Mexico.
Mexico Secretary of Energy Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, Governor of Zacatecas Miguel Alonso Reyes, Mayor of Zacatecas Arnoldo Rodriguez Reyes, and executives from Mexico Power Group and Volkswagen Mexico were in attendance for the announcement.
The wind power will be utilized in Volkswagen Mexico’s plant in Puebla, which is the largest automobile manufacturing plant in North America producing approximately 2,500 vehicles a day, and in its engine manufacturing plant in Silao, Guanajuato. Together, both plants employ approximately more than 18,000 workers. Under the agreement, Volkswagen Mexico plants will save more than 45 million pesos (3,6 million dollars) in electricity costs per year.
The agreement between Mexico Power Group and Volkswagen Mexico is an example of the growth of the wind industry in Mexico and the commitment of both companies to sustainability and the environment in Mexico.
During his speech, Mr. Andreas Hinrichs, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Mexico, emphasized that this agreement confirms Volkswagen's environmental commitment, which is reflected not only in the development and manufacturing of more efficient automobiles and engines but in implementing manufacturing processes that are more environmentally friendly.
The executive said, "[w]ith this agreement Volkswagen Mexico prevents an annual emission of approximately 140 thousand tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This initiative is part of Volkswagen’s Think Blue strategy, which aims to reduce the environmental mark of all Volkswagen plants around the world."
It is expected that the La Bufa wind farm development will be completed at the end of 2014 with a total investment of 4.500 million pesos (360 million dollars). The project will demonstrate the confidence of foreign investors in Mexico and it will help to create over 300 local jobs during construction and 600 indirect jobs in the region of Zacatecas.