ID: 1621
Presenting Author: Marisol Olive
Session: 652 - EA in Latin America: Bridging Infrastructure and Communities for Sustainable Development
Status: pending
Assessing Social and Environmental Risks related to PV Plants water use: Lessons from Mexico cases, management Strategies and Community Engagement for Sustainable Development.
This abstract explores the complex social and environmental risks associated with water use in photovoltaic (PV) plants in Mexico. While PV energy generation is often seen as a sustainable alternative that reduces pressure on local water resources compared to conventional, water-intensive power generation, it does not eliminate water demand. Water remains essential for the periodic cleaning and manufacturing of solar panels, albeit to a lesser extent. The situation is further complicated by the reduction of authorized water sources, limited oversight of water distribution companies, and insufficient assessment of the social impacts arising from competition for water between PV operations and local communities. These factors collectively increase the risk of social conflicts over water access. The proposed framework provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and socio-environmental structures that guide the identification and evaluation of risks stemming from potential competition for water resources. Emphasis is placed on case studies from arid regions of Mexico, where drought and climate change intensify these challenges. The study also reviews internationally recognized best practices in environmental management, focusing on optimizing resource use, effective community engagement, and mechanisms for citizen participation. These approaches are essential for generating relevant social data, which supports the ongoing assessment and monitoring of risks related to water supply and demand, ensuring the sustainable integration of PV projects in water-scarce areas.
Marisol is a Biologist and environmental specialist working at RINA with +13 years’ experience in EIAS, ESDD and field monitoring for infrastructure projects worldwide.
Coauthor 1: Ann Antonella Castillo