The Process Systems Engineering Lab at Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, led by Javier Tovar Facio, has been awarded funding under Mexico’s Ministry of Science and Technology (SECIHTI) “Basic and Frontier Science 2025” Call. The approved proposal titled “Strategic Analysis of Renewable-Based Fuels and Compounds: Sustainability, Energy and Technological Independence for Mexico”, has secured $1,126,724 MXN in total funding.

The project, in collaboration with Dr. Carlos Eduardo Guzmán Martínez from Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, will focus on developing decision-making tools for medium- and long-term energy planning in Mexico. It will analyze the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of renewable-based synthetic fuels and compounds, including hydrogen, methane, methanol, ammonia, and renewable diesel, both as energy storage solutions (short, medium, and seasonal) and as decarbonization strategies for heavy transport sectors such as rail, maritime shipping, and trucking.

The methodology integrates process simulation, life cycle assessment (LCA), artificial intelligence, and multi-objective optimization models to design technology pathways tailored to the Mexican energy context. These pathways, such as Power-to-Gas, Power-to-Liquids, and Power-to-Chemicals, will be evaluated for potential implementation using Mexico’s existing energy infrastructure, including refineries. 

Expected outcomes include computational tools to support energy policy, peer-reviewed scientific publications, outreach materials, and the training of highly specialized human resources. Ultimately, the project aspires to provide context-specific solutions for integrating Power-to-X technologies into Mexico’s sustainable energy transition.