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Driving Sustainability Through Digitalization, Data Analysis

María José Treviño - Acclaim Energy Services
Country Manager

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Perla Velasco By Perla Velasco | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Thu, 10/31/2024 - 16:33

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Q: What opportunities and challenges does Acclaim Energy see in the Mexican energy market?

A: Acclaim Energy sees significant potential in the Mexican energy market. Our strategy focuses on expanding our presence in key regions where demand for advanced energy management solutions is increasing, like northern Mexico, the Bajio, and the Valley of Mexico.

The main challenge is concern from the business community regarding potential regulatory changes and the elimination of certain government institutions, such as the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) and the National Commission on Hydrocarbons (CNH). Although these changes have not yet been implemented, they have generated considerable uncertainty for business leaders and international investors. We are prepared to capitalize on these opportunities by applying insights from other markets to Mexico. Every market experiences uncertainty at some point, and monitoring the market is crucial for identifying risks and opportunities.

One significant opportunity lies in on-site generation to complement various energy supply schemes, including distributed generation and isolated supply. We are committed to leveraging technology to develop our platforms and tools to offer cutting-edge energy solutions. This includes modeling tools, forecasting, risk analysis, and contract management to strengthen each company's energy strategy.

Q: What is Acclaim Energy’s footprint in the Mexican energy market? 

A: We serve over 15 industries and more than 100 companies, including automotive, plastics, steel, mining, and hotel groups. We manage over 15% of the total energy volume in private electricity supply contracts in Mexico. 

Our understanding of market trends allows us to help our clients achieve significant savings, including an over 20% reduction in energy costs on average. While clients initially approached us to reduce costs, they are increasingly turning to sustainability. Over 50% of the energy we supply comes from renewable sources, cutting carbon emissions by the equivalent of removing over 500,000 cars from the road every year. Our evolution follows three key priorities: cost savings, sustainability, and energy reliability. Although we cannot directly influence CFE's transmission and distribution network, we can implement internal measures to enhance energy quality.

Q: How is the dissolution of autonomous bodies like CRE and CNH expected to impact the sector?

A: The dissolution would mean the transfer of CRE’s responsibilities to the Ministry of Energy (SENER), which would need to establish clear rules, streamline implementation, and create transparent processes to avoid disruptions in the industry. The government must carefully analyze and implement these changes, revising market regulations, secondary laws, and operational manuals now overseen by the CRE. Clear guidelines will be crucial to avoid delays. 

Nearshoring and Mexico's economic growth present a valuable investment opportunity, which requires investment in infrastructure and removing potential bottlenecks. Demand will drive these developments, making collaboration between the government and the private sector essential to capitalize on this opportunity.

Q: What key factors are driving demand for energy in Mexico in the context of nearshoring?

A: Demand for renewable energy is high, but reliability is also crucial. It is not possible to completely eliminate conventional energy sources, so a balance must be found. Mexico needs a diverse energy generation portfolio, and companies must recognize how vital this balance is for ensuring a reliable supply while also reducing carbon emissions. Another issue is the backlog of pending permits, which is delaying many investments. Effective planning is essential to resolve these delays. 

Technological advances, including on-site generation, smart grids, and innovative commercial models, are also impacting the sector. For example, we are creating investment strategies for industrial parks that enable the installation of internal energy networks to deliver reliable renewable energy at competitive prices for consumers. 

Q: How does Acclaim Energy assist companies entering or expanding in the Mexican market?

A: We focus on understanding the rapidly changing market trends related to energy buying and selling. We aim to establish ourselves as a valuable strategic partner for large companies. We do not just address problems but also guide our clients toward future opportunities and prepare them for potential challenges.

To achieve these goals, we have assembled a team of experts with diverse experience in various markets and solutions, including in on-site generation, energy storage, market negotiation, risk management, and comprehensive energy strategy. Our experts use advanced technology to anticipate regulatory changes and stay updated on the latest trends, allowing us to respond effectively to market fluctuations. We help businesses entering Mexico to understand the supply and demand dynamics. If a company wants to expand or establish a new facility, we help it manage contracts for energy procurement to ensure reliability. We provide insights into costs and economic conditions in different regions, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about their location and operations.

Q: How does Acclaim Energy help companies meet their ESG requirements?

A: We provide tailored sustainability plans that focus on energy management and carbon footprint reduction. We specialize in the environmental aspect of ESG, and collaborate with partners that handle the social and governance components. We create customized sustainability plans based on each company’s specific needs, focusing on their energy consumption patterns, risk profiles, existing generation assets, and corporate goals for carbon reduction. Depending on the company's requirements and regulatory conditions in Mexico, we recommend energy options that may include 100% renewable sources or a mix with conventional energy sources.

We guide companies through every step of the process, from navigating regulatory approvals to negotiating contracts and establishing project timelines. We also emphasize the importance of tracking progress and assisting companies in measuring, managing, and reporting their carbon reduction efforts to ensure they meet their sustainability targets.

Q: What will determine the future of energy consumption and management in the industry?

A: Digitalization and data analysis will drive changes in the energy sector, allowing companies to tailor their offerings based on what they want to sell and on the customer’s actual needs. Digitalization and data analytics are revolutionizing how businesses manage and optimize energy consumption. This transformation involves using platforms driven by AI and the Internet of Things to enhance operational efficiency. Energy providers must operate as efficiently as possible to reflect competitive pricing for the end consumer, while predicting energy consumption patterns and effectively managing their generation portfolios. By doing so, they can offer balanced solutions in terms of cost and risk. Maintaining transparency and ethical practices in business dealings will also be crucial.

Q: How will Acclaim Energy capitalize on the opportunities emerging in the Mexican energy market? 

A: Acclaim Energy has established strong alliances with leading energy suppliers and technology companies across North America, enabling us to deliver advanced, comprehensive solutions that address diverse client needs. Our innovative strategies have made a significant impact on the energy management industry and the communities we serve. We support over 100 national and international companies, managing more than US$1 billion in annual energy expenditures in Mexico.

Our strategy is built on a deep understanding of local energy dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and the specific needs of our clients, particularly during impending regulatory changes. We have over 20 years of experience in deregulated markets in the United States and Canada, and nearly eight years in Mexico. We provide market analysis and consulting services to Mexican and foreign companies throughout Latin America. Our future strategy emphasizes innovation, technology, talent, and sustainability to expand our presence in the Mexican market and abroad.

We will keep monitoring upcoming challenges, particularly regulatory issues. By avoiding speculation and focusing on verified data, companies can better understand potential projections, address uncertainties, and seize opportunities.

 

Acclaim Energy Services specializes in energy management and consulting services for large energy consumers in Mexico’s mining, automotive, steel, and chemical industries.

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