Hermosillo Evolving From the City of the Sun to the Solar City

Q: What are the objectives of Hermosillo’s World Solar Energy Forum? 

A: Hermosillo is one of the best places in the world for solar projects. Hermosillo is known as The City of the Sun and we want to turn it into The Solar City by harnessing clean and renewable solar energy to enhance public services, improving citizens’ quality of life. This year, we will host the second edition of the World Solar Energy Forum, which will bring together over 1,300 attendees on Oct. 25-26, 2023. We are dedicating a large part of the agenda to the analysis of alternatives for the reduction of greenhouse gasses, especially in the areas of mobility, energy storage and transmission. The forum will incorporate a comprehensive agenda composed of 15 conferences, four workshops and four expert panels. We have 91 business meetings scheduled so far, which will allow suppliers and service providers to explore alternatives and opportunities.

The forum will host esteemed international guests like former US President Bill Clinton and Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Attendees also include representatives from China, Canada and various parts of Mexico. The agenda is diverse, encompassing not only companies but also international organizations dedicated to addressing global warming.

Q: What results does the government of Hermosillo expect from the forum’s second edition? 

A: We seek continuous improvement. We are organizing this event through Sonora’s Energy Cluster, an area of COPARMEX that brings together private companies and academics in all energy-related topics. Hermosillo’s government participates through the Municipal Agency for Energy and Climate Change. Our efforts will increase every year. We want the world to know about Hermosillo’s potential for the generation of clean and renewable energy. This forum is expected to lead to business opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs interested in these technologies. We hope that discussions can revolve around analyzing global trends in energy efficiency, energy storage and electromobility. This forum should also help to promote business creation and improve public services.

Considering the experience and track record of participants and speakers, we believe that this forum will attract attention from the productive sector and from students and academics, who are also invited. 

Q: What actions is the government of Hermosillo taking to promote a healthier business environment for these energy solutions?

A: The municipal government places great emphasis on partnerships with the private sector, academia and organized society. The best way to move forward is alongside the efforts of talent, entrepreneurship, job creators and experts in these matters.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers solar energy as the least expensive source of energy generation in the history of humanity. The cost of generating a kilowatt/hour with solar energy has decreased so much that it is now cheaper than gas, hydro and oil. This is a global trend and is twice as attractive for places like Hermosillo, which has more sunlight hours than many others in Mexico and abroad. A solar panel in Hermosillo produces twice as much electricity as in Mexico City. 

Q: What solar-focused projects does Hermosillo have in its pipeline? 

A: We have many initiatives. For example, Hermosillo has the largest number of electric patrol cars for any city in the world, for a total of 221. These cars are being charged with solar panels. One of our changing stations can charge up to 120 electric patrol cars simultaneously using solar power, making it the largest electric vehicle charging station in Latin America. These vehicles, alongside the 80 gasoline patrol cars, have transformed Hermosillo into the state capital with the greatest decrease in insecurity perception. 

We are implementing initiatives with electric street sweepers and we have programs that aim to  support low-income families by installing solar panels on their roofs. Another program, called "Impulso Solar," supports SMEs through a partnership with Nacional Financiera (NAFIN) to provide accessible financing for changes in lighting, wiring, solar panel installation and thermal insulation in businesses. Our "Peso Solar" program supports civil associations, nursing homes and facilities that care for abused children or women with cancer, paying for 50% of the installation of solar panels through the Integral Family Development Office (DIF). These panels allow the institutions to cut their electricity bills, allowing them to offer more benefits to the people they serve.

Antonio Astiazarán has been the Mayor of Hermosillo since September 2021. He has held numerous governmental positions over the past three decades and holds a law degree from Universidad de Hermosillo and a Master’s in Political Theory from the University of Essex.

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