Introduction to Emilia Calleja and Her Role at CFE
Emilia Calleja, the first female director of Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), has a clear vision for the role of the state-owned company in driving national economic growth. Calleja, with over two decades of experience within the electricity sector, is tasked with executing a new policy in electricity matters.
New Policy Focuses on Public-Private Partnerships
Calleja emphasizes the necessity of energy for economic development. Under her leadership, CFE aims to shift from a model of open competition with the private sector to one where the government holds a majority stake. This new framework prioritizes partnerships between private investors and the government through mixed contracts.
Prioritizing Domestic Investments
Calleja asserts that domestic private investments will be given precedence over international ones. She acknowledges the interest from the private sector, with several companies expressing their desire to invest in Mexico. Calleja aims to establish clear rules to secure and boost private investment, focusing on renewable energy sources.
CFE’s Strategic Plan for Energy Expansion
In February, the Mexican government unveiled a plan for strengthening and expanding the national electricity system to meet demand until 2030. This six-year term aims to increase installed capacity by 29,074 megawatts, with an investment of $22,377 billion.
Private Sector Contribution
Private investors are expected to contribute 6,400 megawatts, primarily from renewable energy sources. The plan’s objective is to ensure a sufficient, sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy supply for Mexico’s development and the well-being of its people.
Key Projects in the Expansion Plan
- 51 projects, including:
- 7 wind energy projects
- 9 photovoltaic projects, with two in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora; one each in Central de Carbón II and Río Escondido, Coahuila; one in Altamira, Tamaulipas; and one in Durango’s Laguna
- 5 combined-cycle projects, including one in Tula, Hidalgo; Altamira, Mazatlán, Salamanca phase II; and one in Jalisco (currently under feasibility studies)
- 1 internal combustion project generating 240 MW in a Los Cabos power plant
Ongoing Projects from Previous Administration
The expansion plan also includes 26 projects initiated during the previous administration of President López Obrador, such as the photovoltaic project in Puerto Peñasco, which began operations on September 11, 2024.
Calleja’s Focus on Energy Access
Calleja’s primary concern is ensuring that 99% of Mexico’s population has access to electricity. The National Strengthening and Expansion Plan of the Electric System is centered around this goal.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Emilia Calleja? Emilia Calleja is the first female director of Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), bringing over two decades of experience within the electricity sector.
- What is CFE’s new policy focus? The new policy prioritizes public-private partnerships through mixed contracts, emphasizing domestic private investments in renewable energy sources.
- What is the goal of Mexico’s energy expansion plan? The plan aims to increase installed capacity by 29,074 megawatts by 2030, ensuring a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy supply for Mexico’s development.
- What projects are included in the expansion plan? The plan comprises 51 projects, including wind energy, photovoltaic, combined-cycle, and internal combustion projects.
- How does Calleja address energy access in Mexico? Calleja prioritizes ensuring that 99% of Mexico’s population has access to electricity, focusing on this goal through the National Strengthening and Expansion Plan of the Electric System.
