López Obrador to Present Plan to Reform Regulators, Watchdogs

Mexico’s president is to submit an initiative to reform independent regulators and watchdogs, a topic he referred to earlier this year. In other news, Enel Green Power sees its Dolores wind farm enter into operation. Curious for more? Read the roundup here!

Mexico

López Obrador Will Submit Proposal to Reform Regulators, Watchdog

President López Obrador said he would submit his proposal to reform autonomous bodies such as regulators and watchdogs to Congress. The proposal would affect the regulatory bodies, as well as the watchdogs that have actively involved themselves against the government’s policy direction in the energy sector. “We are going to continue transforming so that the government serves everyone, this is a government of the people, for the people, with the people ... not a factional government only at the service of a minority," the president said. 

274MW Dolores Wind Farm Begins Commercial Operation

Renewable giant Enel Green Power’s 274MW Dolores wind farm, located in the China municipality of Nuevo Leon, has officially entered commercial operation on April 26. The US$290 million renewable energy project is expected to produce 938GWh annually.

On September 8, 2020, Enel already completed the installation of its 83 wind turbines and construction of 73km of transmission lines. In 2017 it became a winner during the third long-term auction.

CCE: Energy Legislation Modifications Pushing Away Jobs and Investment

The changes in the country’s energy laws pushed through Congress by the López Obrador administration are squandering thousands of potential and current jobs and harm investment opportunities as well, said the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) to Reuters.

Scatec Chosen to Deliver 8.5MW Solar Plant for Torex Gold’s Mexican Mine

Norwegian company Scatec has signed an agreement with mining company Torex Gold to install a 8.5MW containerized solar plant to power the latter’s Mexican mining operation, Renewables Now reported. The 10-year contract features a provision to include further solar capacity and even battery storage.
 

International

Engie Ready to Develop 2GW Chilean Portfolio by 2025

PVTech reports that French multinational electric utility company Engie has doubled its future portfolio in Chile, now featuring 2GW of renewable energy and an investment of US$1.82 billion. Engie was a big winner in Chile’s tenders last year.

Solar Costs Continue to Drop but Areas of Opportunity Remain

Solar energy is already exceedingly cheap, but experts believe costs will decrease further. Even the overly positive recent forecasts have consistently been beaten by solar energy’s realities, driven by its status as a viable, cost-effective solution. Nevertheless, opportunities to further cut costs remain.