CANACINTRA Backs US$500 Million Industrial Solar, Storage Program

The National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACINTRA) is backing a US$500 million program to equip 20 high-energy-use companies in Mexico with solar generation and battery storage systems designed to meet up to 100% of their electricity demand without initial capital investment.

The initiative, called Industrial Energy Independence 2025, was launched by Mexican energy storage company Quartux and industrial decarbonization platform Bono₂. It aims to address the operational risks of blackouts; tariff volatility and new regulatory requirements were published Aug. 6 in the Official Gazette. The rules establish permitting thresholds for self-consumption generation projects between 0.7MW and 20MW, streamlining the process for industrial facilities.

Under the program, the selected companies will install turnkey solar-plus-storage systems with lithium-ion batteries and AI-based monitoring tools. The model includes regulatory compliance support, energy certification, and a digital platform for real-time environmental and energy performance management.

Quartux CEO Alejandro Fajer said the program is designed to accelerate the energy independence of Mexico’s industrial sector by combining international financing with advanced technology. He added that energy interruptions last year reduced sales by about 4% for affected companies, excluding additional costs such as equipment damage and penalties. In some cases, manufacturers reported losses of up to MX$200 million (US$10.627 million).

According to Diego Arjona, President, CANACINTRA’s Energy Committee, favorable weather this year has reduced strain on Mexico’s grid compared to 2024. However, he said battery storage remains essential to avoid production stoppages during peak demand or planned outages requested by CFE.

The call for applications is open until Sept. 30 and will be evaluated by a technical committee from Quartux and Bono₂, with results to be announced Oct. 13.

Fajer noted that wider adoption of battery storage could have an immediate impact on the grid by reducing stress during peak hours, lowering blackout risks and cutting electricity costs for industry. Arjona Argüelles said more companies are expected to adopt storage systems in the coming years as technologies evolve, including the materials used in battery manufacturing.

Raising the permitting thresholds for self-consumption generation projects in Mexico from the previous limit to a range between 0.7MW and 20MW is a significant regulatory shift with far-reaching implications for the energy sector. This adjustment aligns with market trends toward decentralization and energy autonomy, positioning Mexico to better meet its energy demand while enhancing competitiveness in sectors where reliable, cost-efficient power is a strategic advantage.