CENACE Head Outlines Grid Reliability Goals in Energy Transition

Marking the 50th anniversary of the National Institute of Electricity and Clean Energies (INEEL), CENACE Director General Ricardo Mota delivered a keynote presentation underscoring the importance of system reliability and public sector leadership in Mexico’s energy transition.

Speaking to the INEEL community, Mota outlined the full value chain of the National Electric System (SEN), from generation using multiple technologies to transmission lines, substations, and the distribution grid that delivers power to end users. He emphasized CENACE’s strategic functions, including the operation of the Wholesale Electricity Market (MEM), the secure and efficient allocation of dispatch, and the guarantee of non-discriminatory access to the transmission and distribution networks.

Mota noted that current electricity demand in Mexico exceeds 56,000MW and continues to rise. One of the core objectives, he said, is to increase the share of sustainable energy in the national generation mix as part of a responsible and sustainable energy transition. He also highlighted recent legal reforms that redefine the sector’s structure and reaffirm the role of the state in ensuring that at least 54% of power generation remains under public control.

Beyond expanding clean energy, Mota stressed that the transition must be approached with strategic planning, technical rigor, and a public service ethos. Institutions like CENACE and INEEL, he concluded, are central to ensuring energy sovereignty and security, offering technical support for the operational decisions that will shape Mexico’s future electricity system.