Durango Eyes Largest Solar Park in Mexico With Federal Support

Durango is positioning itself to become the state with the largest solar energy park in Mexico, with construction plans potentially starting later this year. State officials, in collaboration with Mexico's Ministry of Energy (SENER), are currently assessing areas within the state that are suitable for this particular renewable energy project.

The project’s plans gained momentum following a recent visit to Durango by President Claudia Sheinbaum. During the visit, government officials and stakeholders took notice that there is vast undeveloped land that could serve as an ideal location for large-scale solar power generation. 

Durango Governor Esteban Villegas, emphasized that a multidisciplinary team of experts from both the federal and state governments plan to evaluate the region's solar potential, using a new map to identify the areas with the greatest solar radiation. According to Villegas, some of the most promising sites are located in the municipalities of Durango and Tlahualilo. The area along the highway leading to Guadalupe Victoria, particularly beyond the Durango airport, has been identified as a prime location for the construction of the solar park due to its flat terrain and favorable conditions. However, the governor did acknowledge that some areas, especially wetlands, may not be suitable for development.

Once an ideal site is chosen, the construction of the solar park could begin as soon as this year. The project is part of a broader strategy that would position Durango as a hub for renewable energy and agroindustry. This is in line with the development energy goals laid out by President Sheinbaum’s administration. 

Durango is already home to a 117MW photovoltaic solar farm, which was initiated during the administration of former Governor José Aispuro Torres. This project, led by J. Guadalupe Aguilera, began in 2015 but faced significant delays, including regulatory hurdles and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the solar farm is expected to be completed under the current administration, with some remaining complications regarding environmental impact mitigation and local community concerns being resolved.

Durango seeks to expand its renewable energy sector and the projected solar park could solidify the state's position as a key player in Mexico’s clean energy future, while contributing to the nation’s energy transition goals. This project would not only provide a major energy boost but also become a source of job creation while promoting sustainable development in the region.

In addition to this project, MBN reported that the federal government announced investments for key electrification projects for Indigenous communities in Durango, ensuring access to electricity for the O’dam, Wixárika, and Mexikan peoples. The initiative is part of the Justice Plan for Indigenous Peoples and seeks to address long-standing infrastructure gaps in marginalized regions, announced SENER.