Introduction to Mexico’s Sustainable Energy Transition
Mexico is moving towards a sustainable energy transition, driven by the immense potential of solar energy. According to Manuel Ahumada, partner and director of Enlight, this renewable source is projected to have the highest growth by 2030, thanks to Mexico’s high solar irradiation (5.5 kWh/m² daily) and its increasing competitiveness against fossil fuels.
The Solar Energy Landscape in Mexico
Ahumada estimates that by 2030, up to 26.9 GW of solar capacity will be installed, solidifying Mexico’s regional leadership in clean energy generation. However, he warns that developing this capacity faces structural challenges, including modernizing the electricity grid and promoting energy storage systems, crucial for maximizing solar energy production.
Policy and Regulatory Framework Supporting Solar Energy Growth
In this context, the new Electric Sector Law has opened opportunities by raising the threshold for distributed generation and simplifying self-consumption permit procedures. Moreover, the Energy Window, established this year, aims to expedite administrative processes. These measures, along with the National Development Plan 2025-2030, which contemplates over 22,000 MW of additional clean energy and public investment exceeding 620 billion pesos, strengthen a favorable environment for the sector.
Public-Private Partnerships and Investment
Ahumada emphasizes that private and foreign investment is key to meeting the goal of generating 45% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In this regard, the hybrid model combining public and private participation drives the installation of solar projects and industrial microgrids, offering environmental and economic benefits.
Social Impact of Solar Energy Growth
The sector’s growth also has a social impact: solar energy has created over 100,000 direct jobs. Enlight contributes to training programs and local supply chains in 47 cities.
Mexico’s Unique Strategic Advantage
Ahumada highlights Mexico’s unique strategic advantage in Latin America: its industrial capacity and role in global value chains. “The combination of clean energy, technological innovation, and nearshoring positions Mexico as a key energy hub by 2030,” he concludes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving Mexico’s sustainable energy transition? The immense potential of solar energy, supported by high solar irradiation and increasing competitiveness against fossil fuels.
- What challenges does the development of solar capacity face in Mexico? Structural challenges include modernizing the electricity grid and promoting energy storage systems.
- How do recent policies support solar energy growth in Mexico? The new Electric Sector Law and the Energy Window simplify administrative processes, while the National Development Plan 2025-2030 contemplates significant investments in clean energy.
- What role do public-private partnerships play in the growth of solar energy? Hybrid models combining public and private participation drive the installation of solar projects and industrial microgrids, offering environmental and economic benefits.
- What is the social impact of solar energy growth in Mexico? Solar energy has created over 100,000 direct jobs and supports local supply chains in various cities.
- What makes Mexico’s position unique in Latin America regarding clean energy? Mexico’s industrial capacity, role in global value chains, and focus on clean energy, technological innovation, and nearshoring position it as a key energy hub by 2030.
