The recent call for bids for mixed-investment power generation promoted by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) demonstrates the country's growth, encompassing 222 projects totaling more than 37 GW. Furthermore, at the end of last year, more than 3 GW of renewable capacity and 1.2 GW of battery energy storage (BESS) were awarded under an initiative aimed at accelerating the permit evaluation and approval processes.
To delve deeper into this context, Sergio Linares, Country Manager of I²-ESS in Mexico , spoke exclusively with Energía Estratégica.
Given Mexico's growth, what role do you foresee for I²-ESS?
Current regulatory conditions have revitalized the market. Today, we are seeing greater openness toward renewable energy, which is reigniting investment appetite in Mexico. In this environment, we will introduce advanced clean energy and storage technologies to the Mexican market, along with products, project implementation, and operation and maintenance services from China, offering energy solutions and services across the entire value chain through the I²-ESS brand.
And how will they participate?
Our focus is on I²-ESS energy storage products, complemented by comprehensive services ranging from system integration to equipment supply, backed by Power China's experience and leadership in the global clean energy and storage industry.
What does this imply?
By promoting solutions such as residential energy storage and for the commercial and industrial segments, we serve the electrical needs of a wide variety of microgrid applications.
Which segments are they focused on?
We are currently focusing on the residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) segments, where we have identified a faster adoption rate and a clear need for storage solutions for energy optimization and backup.
Is there already a noticeable increase in market activity?
Yes. We are seeing a clear recovery in various segments, which opens up significant opportunities for I²-ESS solutions.
Our goal is to reach approximately 1 GW in contracts this year, considering projects in various segments: residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale, with both private clients and CFE, which continues to represent a significant portion of the market. This dynamism also indirectly drives the adoption of solutions. Furthermore, we will promote sustained long-term business development through deep local collaboration.
While their focus is on Mexico, what can they share about Latin America?
At the regional level, we are driving strategic growth in our energy storage products business. We have an active presence in Chile, are strengthening our position in Colombia, and are evaluating entry into the Brazilian market.
Do they have firm contracts in Brazil?
Not at the moment. We are currently in a market analysis phase, evaluating its growth and viability before making any investments.
Is your strategic focus more oriented towards Latin America this year?
Yes. As part of the global strategy, the Latin American storage products business unit cluster is being established in Mexico, due to the market size and its potential for regional development.
On a personal level, what are your goals in this new stage as Country Manager of I²-ESS?
My goal is to consolidate the product business unit in Mexico, positioning the brand on pillars of reliability, quality and long-term permanence in the market.
If it were 2027, what would have had to happen to consider it a highly successful year?
First, having positioned I²-ESS products as a benchmark in the storage market.
Second, actively participate in large-scale projects that incorporate BESS technology.
Is it an achievable goal?
Yes. The Mexican market presents favorable conditions, particularly with the opening to mixed investment schemes and the progress of multiple projects. Storage will be a key component, and our goal is to position ourselves as a relevant supplier in that segment by 2027.
Going forward, I²-ESS will maintain a product-oriented and cooperative development philosophy, continuously collaborating with local partners to drive joint growth and sustainably supply high-quality energy storage solutions and complementary services to the Latin American market.