Abent 3T Emerges as a Mexico’s Energy Anchor

Q: Abent 3T recently announced a major investment of US$1 billion to expand capacity up to 1,300MW in southern Mexico, backed by Banco Santander. What is the primary driver for this expansion?

A: The expansion responds to two structural forces that are converging very clearly in southern Mexico. The first is the sustained growth in electricity demand, driven by industrial activity, logistics infrastructure, and new energy intensive sectors that are beginning to look at the region with renewed interest. The second is the need to meet that growing demand with cleaner, more efficient generation technologies that align with Mexico’s energy transition objectives. Abent 3T was conceived with a strong focus on the south-southeast of the country, a region that historically has faced constraints in reliable access to high quality electricity. Our cogeneration plant in Tabasco addresses that gap by combining efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

Being the only private efficient cogeneration plant in Tabasco gives us a unique regional positioning. This is not only a competitive advantage, but also a responsibility. Our plant has become a key piece of energy security for the southeast, which in turn translates into greater operational certainty and access to long-term financing from institutions such as Santander, which has been our main shareholder since 2021. The expansion allows us to scale this model and respond to specialized demand from sectors such as data centers, large industrial parks, and logistics hubs that require high volumes of power with very strict reliability and quality standards. Our value proposition goes beyond supplying clean energy certificates. We offer certainty of supply, resilience, and operational continuity through efficient cogeneration and natural gas, which is increasingly critical in an environment where unplanned outages are becoming a serious concern for industry. This strategic vision is fully aligned with the company’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which positions Abent 3T as a key player in the electrical sector of southern Mexico.

Q: Abent 3T’s new plant could be operational by 2030. What are the two most critical milestones that the company must secure in 2026 to stay on track with this timeline?

A: The first critical milestone is the consolidation of our operational and financial foundations. One of Abent 3T’s strengths has been disciplined management, strong governance, and a focus on best practices across the organization. These elements have allowed us to move faster than initially anticipated in several areas of our development. By 2026, it is essential that we have secured all the technical and financial structuring required for the expansion, including long term offtake agreements and financing frameworks that reflect the scale and complexity of a 1,300MW platform.

The second milestone relates to execution readiness. This includes having all the engineering, procurement, and construction planning sufficiently advanced to avoid delays once final investment decisions are made. Our Strategic Plan is structured around three phases, starting with control and assurance of operations, followed by growth and positioning, and finally consolidation. By 2026, we need to be firmly transitioning from the growth phase into consolidation, with processes, teams, and systems fully prepared to manage a much larger asset base. Achieving these milestones will ensure that the 2030 operational target is realistic and supported by solid fundamentals rather than optimistic assumptions.

Q: How has Abent 3T’s relationship with CENACE evolved during this period of regulatory transition?

A: Our relationship with CENACE has evolved significantly over the past few years. We have already completed the necessary feasibility and viability studies, which are fundamental in a system that is undergoing regulatory adjustments. At the beginning, the process required a great deal of effort, particularly in coordinating with CFE and navigating a more restrictive environment. However, persistence, technical rigor, and experience played a decisive role in opening constructive channels of dialogue.

Over the past year, we have observed greater openness, particularly as new rules and operational criteria have been clarified. This has allowed for more fluid communication and better alignment between system needs and private generation projects that contribute to reliability and efficiency. From our perspective, transparent engagement with system operators is essential, especially for cogeneration assets that provide not only electricity but also stability to the grid. As regulations continue to evolve, maintaining a technical, solutions oriented dialogue with CENACE remains a priority for Abent 3T.

Q: Natural gas has moved from being seen as a transitional fuel to being viewed as essential due to rising demand. What is your perspective on this shift?

A: Natural gas now occupies a central role in Mexico’s energy strategy; this comes with a great deal of responsibility for companies operating in this space. On one hand, there is an undeniable dependence on gas to support industrial growth, grid stability, and competitive electricity prices. On the other, there is a clear need to continuously improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and remain attentive to technological developments that will shape the next stage of the energy transition.

Natural gas is no longer a cliché or a temporary solution. It has become a cornerstone of national energy security and economic competitiveness. For Abent 3T, this means operating with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. It also means understanding gas not in isolation, but as part of an integrated energy system where cogeneration, efficiency, and long term planning play a critical role. In this context, gas is not an obstacle to the transition, but a tool that, when used responsibly, enables it.

Q: Cogeneration relies on natural gas as its primary fuel. How does Abent 3T manage supply risk and price volatility to maintain stable and competitive pricing for its off takers?

A: Managing supply risk and price volatility is closely linked to energy efficiency. Cogeneration allows us to extract maximum value from every unit of gas by producing both electricity and thermal energy, significantly improving overall efficiency compared to conventional generation. This efficiency provides a natural hedge against price volatility, as less fuel is required to deliver the same or greater energy output.

In addition, strategic alliances play a crucial role. Our collaboration with Cogenera México strengthens our technical and operational capabilities and allows us to consolidate high impact projects under a shared vision of a more resilient and sustainable energy model. We do not view our clients merely as offtakers. We see them as partners with whom we build long term relationships based on transparency, shared objectives, and tailored energy solutions. This partnership approach enables better planning, more predictable pricing structures, and greater resilience in the face of market fluctuations. In a context of rapid industrial growth and increasingly specialized energy needs, cogeneration offers a practical and efficient response.

Q: Abent 3T was recognized with the Distintivo ESR. How important is this recognition in attracting multinational industrial partners with strict ESG requirements?

A: The Distintivo ESR is highly relevant, not as a label, but as a reflection of how we operate and engage with our surroundings. In Tabasco, community acceptance and collaboration are fundamental. The region has a long history linked to the energy sector, and people understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with these projects. Our focus has been on building trust through social initiatives, access to electricity, and environmental responsibility.

Multinational partners increasingly require that their energy suppliers align with their own ESG commitments. Social responsibility, community engagement, and governance standards are now part of commercial decision making. Our recognition as a socially responsible company sends a clear signal that Abent 3T understands this reality and integrates it into its strategy. Electricity impacts not only industrial operations but also household economics and regional development. By acknowledging this broader impact, we strengthen our relationships with both communities and global partners.

Q: What are your main objectives for 2025?

A: 2025 was a year of consolidation for Abent 3T. The regulatory environment has become clearer, and there is growing recognition that access to sufficient, clean, and reliable energy is indispensable for Mexico’s economic development. Natural gas and efficient cogeneration will continue to play a central role in meeting this demand.

Our objective is to reinforce our operational excellence, deepen relationships with partners, and advance the strategic initiatives outlined in our 2024–2027 plan. There is greater optimism in the sector, accompanied by a noticeable shift in tone from public institutions toward pragmatic solutions. We intend to capitalize on this moment by strengthening our position in the south-southeast, preparing for the next phase of growth, and ensuring that Abent 3T remains a reliable, responsible, and competitive energy provider for the years ahead.

Abent 3T is a company dedicated to the generation of electrical energy, with a capacity of 260MW through efficient cogeneration technology under the Public Energy Delivery Service Law (LSPEE).