The renewed energy investment schemes in Mexico are once again positioning the country on the global radar, with an international investor appetite similar to that of the long-term auction era held more than five years ago.
“Since late February and early March, we’ve had many meetings with foreign companies interested in seeing how these programs work and whether they can participate in future editions,” said Gilberto Sánchez , president of the National Solar Energy Association (ANES).
In that regard, the executive anticipated greater participation in the upcoming rounds, following an initial call that surprised the market.
“Mexico has once again raised its hand in investment projects in the energy generation sector, especially in renewables. Foreign investors are once again looking to see what opportunities are opening up,” he noted.
And he asserted that ANES has identified an emerging phenomenon: European companies from smaller markets and South American companies with experience in other countries are observing the Mexican market with a strong investment appetite , broadening the competitive spectrum.
It's worth noting that this week the Ministry of Energy announced the launch of three new calls for bids in the short term, reinforcing this dynamic scenario. These include a second round of the mixed scheme with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), a new phase of priority projects , continuing the December round where 3.3 GW and 1.2 GW of storage were awarded, and a specific call for bids for storage systems.
The market response to the mixed scheme with CFE confirms the strong investor interest, with more than 220 expressions of interest submitted for 38 GW during the preliminary stage, of which 56 projects promoted by 40 companies are finally advancing in the call.
Among the companies that presented projects are EDP, COX , which recently acquired assets from Iberdrola, EDF, Elawan Energy and Invenergy , Solarig, Alten and Atlántica Renewable Power.
In the December call for priority projects, Iberdrola, Sunstone Power, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) were among the successful bidders, with the Danish fund being one of the most prominent players. Some companies participated in both processes.
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The president of ANES highlighted that inquiries from foreign companies cover various segments of the energy business. “Not only in these mixed investment projects, priority projects, or storage. They also want to explore these models for building to meet self-consumption needs; they want to understand more about what is happening,” he noted, demonstrating a more diversified entry strategy on the part of international players.
Local vs. foreign companies: Is there a competitive advantage?
In this new scenario, competition between local and international actors arises without clear structural advantages, although with different perceptions within the sector.
During the Strategic Energy streaming event “It had to be said and it was said,” Patricia Tatto , from Genux Power, pointed out that Mexican companies might have a certain advantage for having gone through the years of greatest regulatory uncertainty, developing a deeper understanding of the local environment.
“I think it’s equal because at the end of the day the rules aren’t the same as in the 2014 reform. Today, the advantage they have is being here and having a better sense of how things are moving, but those who are asking, I think, come with strong intentions of participating in Mexico,” he added.
While the specialist acknowledged that the Government seeks to promote the industry and national content, he warned that there is no specific priority for local companies .
On the other hand, when asked about the demand for the call, the association's representative assured that "many projects are being rescued," so a significant part of the initiatives presented corresponds to projects that already had a certain degree of prior progress, which explains the rapid market response in this first call.
“Many projects were in areas where construction was common, not where it was needed,” warned the president of ANES.
The sector's renewed dynamism aligns with Mexico's structural energy expansion goals. The country projects adding approximately 25 GW by 2030 , prioritizing renewable energy.
“The initial signs have been positive and give us hope that these goals can be achieved. We are pleased that the renewable energy sector in Mexico is being reactivated,” he concluded.
In this context of renewable energy initiatives, the sector will have a key forum for discussion on May 19 at the Future Energy Summit (FES) Mexico , where 500 executives from the public and private sectors are expected to participate. The event is shaping up to be a strategic meeting point to analyze the schemes, regulatory challenges, and investment opportunities emerging from this new framework for renewables and energy storage.