This paper explores the electrification of mezcal distilling in Oaxaca, Mexico, as a sustainable alternative to traditional firewood methods. We investigate the mezcal process, including cooking, grinding, fermentation, and distillation, and propose a photovoltaic system for distillation. The research also includes scientific outreach activities in the producing communities. We, in collaboration with the communities, proposed novel uses of renewable energies. The results of chemical analysis (chromatography and FTIR) and sensory data for distillation using firewood and electricity are presented to compare the mezcal produced with solar energy and traditional mezcal. Our studies conclude that electrical distillation can reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency without compromising product quality.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2604.06952,
title = {Towards using renewable energy in Mezcal production},
author = {J. Antonio del Río Portilla and Argelia Balbuena-Ortega and Anabel López-Ortiz and Jorge Alberto Tenorio and Nicté Yasmín Luna-Medina and Patricio Javier Valadés-Pelayo and Federico del Río-Portilla and Mayra León-Santiago and Alfonso Valiente-Banuete},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.06952},
year = {2026}
}