Expanded Vision Targets Full-Life Services

Q: Why should project developers choose GIA as their partner of choice?
A: GIA already has deep experience developing projects that involve the entire life cycle of industrial complexes and oil and gas facilities, from the engineering and manufacturing of the equipment to the delivery and installation of the solutions, including O&M services. The electricity industry is no different as it requires highly specialized solutions where engineering must be optimized to find the best solutions over the entire life cycle of a project. We manage highly-specialized industrial equipment. We train and certify all our workers so they are able to operate the needed tools and deliver optimal projects. We are now increasing our activities in the electricity segment, training and certifying our human capital for that industry and providing the same dedication with which we served our oil and gas clients.
Q: Where is GIA setting its strongest foothold in the renewable energy industry?
A: Our strongest foothold is civil engineering for wind farms. For example, we manufacture metal-mechanic components or build the civil infrastructure required for the correct functioning of the wind farms, which includes the construction of the turbine’s base, rainwater management and so on. We are also entering conversations with other project developers to establish a presence in other renewable energy projects and we see big potential in the PV market. We like to offer turnkey integral projects to our customers so they do not have to worry about any aspect of the civil works.
Q: Does GIA plan to offer O&M services to the electricity industry similar to its oil and gas division?
A: Although building infrastructure or installing equipment for both industries is our core business, we know that the future for the company is in closing deals that involve O&M services for this infrastructure. As a result, we want to set a stronger foothold in this arena and take part in projects from the very beginning to maximize the added value we can offer. We have fixed our geographical presence in the southeast region with an office in Coatzacoalcos and are discussing the opportunity of opening another office in the north, with Saltillo and Monterrey as the main possibilities. The purpose of these new offices will be to serve the wind project developers located in the respective region, together with any other energy project that we can get our hands on.
Q: How could Mexico help its local value chain become stronger for the benefit of the energy industry?
A: I would like to see the government getting more involved with Mexican companies so they are able to take part in more investments. As of now, most of the investment is being driven by foreign companies and we would like to see that change with time, having more local companies driving the market. We have had conversations with many local governments to strengthen their local value chains. One of the most fruitful discussions has been with Tamaulipas through its Energy Commission, with which we have had the opportunity to disseminate information about the importance of foreign investment for the energy industry in the country. The work we have carried out with the Tamaulipas Energy Commission has also spurred many companies to seek out our services, instead of us having to knock on doors.
Q: How has political uncertainty affected the development of energy projects in Mexico?
A: There is always a level of uncertainty when developing energy projects. 2018 in particular brought more uncertainty due to the political environment and transition we are experiencing and this has made the private sector uncomfortable. Fortunately, we are looking at some companies that are placing bets on the future of the country, because the development of renewable energy projects makes sense across economic, social and environmental spectrums. But, for the country to see the greatest benefit, we must not forget that investment must always benefit the communities where the projects will be installed.