Introduction to the CFE’s Solar Expansion Plans
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is planning to add 1,516 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity to Mexico’s power grid. This expansion represents nearly a 20% increase in national solar technology capacity and triples the current solar power production.
Key Projects and Developments
Puerto Peñasco Solar Farm Expansion
CFE’s General Director, Emilia Calleja Alor, announced that she will sign the contract on December 23 to begin construction of the third phase (300 megawatts) of the Puerto Peñasco solar farm in Sonora. The project is expected to be completed by December 23, 2027. Additionally, the fourth phase (280 megawatts) will start operations in February 2028. This expansion will add a total of 580 megawatts to the existing 120 megawatts from phase one and the planned 300 megawatts from phase two, making it Latin America’s largest solar farm.
New Solar Plants in Coahuila
Two new solar plants are planned for Coahuila: Carbón II (376 megawatts) and Río Escondido (180 megawatts). A working group involving the Secretariat of Energy, CFE, and Fondo Nacional de Infraestructura (Fonadin) is coordinating the tender process for these projects according to the Binding Planning framework, with completion targeted for September 2028.
Evaluation of Additional Solar Projects
CFE is also evaluating two more solar projects: Las Garzas in Durango (270 megawatts) and Los Girasoles in Quintana Roo (110 megawatts).
Current Solar Capacity and Future Goals
As of now, Mexico has 7,961 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity nationwide, as per the Electric Sector Development Plan. With the additions from Puerto Peñasco and other installations, CFE currently has 426 megawatts installed. The CFE’s plans aim to reach at least 9,477 megawatts of solar technology capacity by the end of the six-year term.
Wind Energy Project Analysis
CFE is also considering the installation of a new 63-megawatt wind farm in San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato. This would increase the country’s wind energy capacity by 0.8% and boost CFE’s wind-based operations by 10%.
Additional Generation Projects
CFE plans to develop five priority firm generation projects, primarily combined-cycle plants, adding approximately 3,000 megawatts of additional capacity. The estimated investment is $4,328 million (over 80,000 million Mexican pesos).
- Francisco Pérez Ríos II (Tula, Hidalgo): 1,013 megawatts – First project of this administration
- Salamanca: 495 megawatts – Engineering phase
- Altamira: 583 megawatts – Engineering phase
- Mazatlán: 581 megawatts – Engineering phase
- Los Cabos (Baja California Sur): 240 megawatts – Under reevaluation
Transmission Projects
CFE will execute 66 priority transmission projects between 2025 and 2026, targeting $1,916 million in investments. Twenty-two projects will be tendered in the last quarter of 2025, and forty-four more will be tendered throughout 2026 with defined timelines and close monitoring.
