Alliance for Energy Equity, CERCA Drive Inclusive Transition

Mexico’s transition toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and decentralized energy model continues as the Alliance for Energy Equity (AEE) announced the incorporation of the Renewable Energy and Environmental Quality Center (CERCA). The alliance, coordinated by Sostenibilidad Global (SG), seeks to transform the country’s energy system by promoting renewable energy, supporting distributed generation, and ensuring equitable access to electricity, particularly for marginalized communities.

Founded in 2018, Sostenibilidad Global is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and social equity in Mexico. SG believes that economic growth must be coupled with policies that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive. Through collaborative work with civil society, private companies, and public institutions, SG aims to accelerate Mexico’s transition toward a circular and environmentally responsible economy. Isabel Studer, President, SG, emphasized that CERCA’s inclusion marks “a fundamental step to ensure that no community is left behind in the adoption of renewable energy.”

The Alliance for Energy Equity was created to address Mexico’s energy challenges by advocating for a more resilient and fair system. The initiative focuses on the integration of decentralized solutions such as rooftop solar panels, microgrids, and isolated self-supply systems. These models have become increasingly relevant following regulatory changes in the Mexican energy sector, allowing households, small businesses, and rural communities to generate their own clean power and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. According to SG, these efforts are critical to tackling the persistent issue of energy poverty, which currently affects more than 36.7% of Mexico’s population. Millions of people in rural and remote regions lack reliable electricity access, limiting their economic opportunities and quality of life.

By adding CERCA to its network, the alliance expands its reach across the northwestern regions of Mexico, complementing existing projects in Oaxaca, Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Baja California Sur. Based in La Paz, CERCA is a citizen-driven scientific and environmental organization that promotes a fair energy transition grounded in human rights and environmental health. Its programs include citizen-led air quality monitoring, inclusive renewable energy projects, and community-driven models for sustainable development. Jacqueline Valenzuela, Executive Director, CERCA, highlighted the broader social mission of this collaboration, stating, “rooftop solar panels are not just a technological solution, they are a tool for social justice and community development.”

Currently, the alliance supports 17 active projects across 11 states, directly benefiting thousands of families in rural, indigenous, and fishing communities. These initiatives are made possible through partnerships with diverse actors, including rafiqui, Mexico’s first solar panel recycling initiative; the National Chamber of Electric Product Manufacturing (CANAME); and educational institutions like CONALEP, which promotes technical training aligned with the energy transition. Public entities such as the Ministry of Economy are also playing a key role by incorporating renewable energy into national development strategies under Plan México. Private companies like Energía Real have further supported these initiatives, helping communities gain access to energy systems that foster economic growth and reduce inequality.

The alliance also works closely with community-based organizations such as Fundación Tláloc, Pueblos Mancomunados in Oaxaca, and the Túumben K’ooben cooperative in Quintana Roo. These groups have pioneered circular economy practices and locally managed renewable energy projects, often with support from the United Nations’ Small Grants Programme. According to Sébastien Proust, Director, UNDP Small Grants initiative, scaling up these community-led projects is critical to achieving a just and inclusive energy transition at the national level.

For Luis Gutiérrez, Head of the Social Economy Unit, Ministry of Economy, the challenge now lies in aligning public policy with these bottom-up initiatives to ensure that no community is excluded from Mexico’s renewable energy shift. By combining the expertise of organizations like CERCA, SG, and a growing network of industry and community partners, the Alliance for Energy Equity aims to create “prosperity from the roots,” empowering vulnerable populations to become active participants in their own transformation rather than passive recipients of external aid.

The expansion of the alliance represents a significant step toward reshaping Mexico’s energy future. With its focus on decentralization, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability, the Alliance for Energy Equity is setting a new standard for inclusive energy policy.