Mexico’s Energy Ministry has identified 42 solar projects totaling 6.86 GW and 13 wind projects totaling 4.03 GW in its renewable energy development pipeline. Another 4.45 GW of solar capacity is awaiting allocation, with the government aiming to complete the process by the end of 2026.
Mexico’s Energy Ministry (Sener) has identified 42 solar photovoltaic projects with a combined capacity of 6,856.4 MW and 13 wind projects totaling 4,027.5 MW in its renewable energy development pipeline. According to government data, state-owned utility Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is involved in approximately 70% of the portfolio.
The government has also identified another 9,050 MW of generation capacity awaiting allocation, including 4,445 MW of solar PV, 2,159 MW of wind, 1,694 MW of cogeneration, and 752 MW of geothermal, solar thermal and hydrogen projects. Sener expects to complete the allocation process by the end of 2026.
The figures represent a downward revision from those presented in June, when Sener reported 50 solar projects totaling 7,859 MW and 17 wind projects totaling 4,701 MW. The ministry has not clarified whether the changes reflect adjustments to project scope, development status or other revisions to the portfolio.
In June, the first call for proposals under CFE’s mixed-development model resulted in the selection of 37 renewable energy projects totaling 7,411 MW, including approximately 6,710 MW of solar PV. The selection process covered a specific group of projects and is not directly comparable with Sener’s broader development pipeline.
CFE also expects 58 renewable energy plants with a combined capacity of 10,406.5 MW to be operational by 2030, including utility-owned facilities and projects developed under mixed-development arrangements. The government has not clarified how this target relates to the 55 renewable energy projects currently in its development pipeline.
Sener estimates that MXN 794.11 billion ($42.9 billion) will be invested in electricity generation projects between 2025 and 2030. Of this total, MXN 452.54 billion is earmarked for mixed-development projects, MXN 199.11 billion for private-sector projects and MXN 142.46 billion for projects developed directly by CFE. The ministry has not provided a breakdown of the investment allocated specifically to solar PV or energy storage.
Among the projects highlighted is the Rafael Galván Maldonado solar complex in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. Its first two phases, inaugurated between 2023 and 2024, have a combined solar capacity of 420 MW. Phases III and IV are expected to add another 580 MW, bringing the complex’s total PV capacity to 1 GW.
According to a recent progress update, construction of the 300 MW third phase is more than 27% complete. The project will feature approximately 563,000 solar panels and a battery energy storage system rated at 103 MW/309 MWh. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in December 2027, while the 280 MW fourth phase is expected to come online in March 2028.
The first two phases already include 72 MW of battery storage capacity. According to figures presented by CFE in June, the four phases will have a combined battery power capacity of 246 MW, with total investment in the complex exceeding $1.4 billion.
However, Sener’s latest presentation does not provide a comprehensive breakdown of planned battery storage projects, including their energy capacities in MWh, technology-specific investments or commissioning schedules.
Mexico’s 2025-2030 Sectoral Energy Program calls for CFE to deploy 2,216 MW of battery storage capacity to support the expansion of solar and wind generation. The figure represents planned capacity rather than operational installations.
Separately, Sener has kept open a call for proposals for strategic standalone battery storage projects linked to CFE. The process targets 935 MW of storage capacity with a three-hour discharge duration, equivalent to 2,805 MWh. The registration deadline has reportedly been extended to Oct. 30. The target represents capacity sought under the procurement process, rather than confirmed project awards.
The government’s renewable energy assessment also highlights the Techos Solares para el Bienestar (Solar Roofs for Well-being) program, which has benefited 5,168 households in Baja California. Between March 2025 and May 2026, CFE connected 5,140 residential PV systems to the grid in Mexicali and San Felipe, backed by an initial investment of MXN 190 million.
The renewable energy expansion forms part of Mexico’s target to increase the share of renewables in national electricity generation from 24% to at least 38% by 2030, according to Sener.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: [email protected].