Nuevo Leon Bets on Solar Energy for 2021

The General Director of the Nuevo Leon Energy Cluster, Amado Villarreal González, said that next year Nuevo Leon will bet on less-regulated segments, such as distributed generation and solar panels, for commercial and industrial use.

“The growth trend of solar roofs confirms photovoltaic power’s potential to establish itself as one of the most successful and competitive forms of energy generation in Mexico," said Héctor Olea, President of the Mexican Association of Solar Energy (ASOLMEX). He explained that renewable energies bring several environmental benefits to the planet, communities and individuals.

Olea said Mexico has a privileged geographical position as 85 percent of its territory has optimal radiation conditions to take full advantage of this type of energy. He emphasized that solar roofs contribute to reinforcing Mexico’s energy sovereignty through access to clean and competitive energy across the national territory, besides diversifying the national energy mix, reported MBN.

The development of the solar energy sector at the national level has represented a direct investment of US$8.85 billion and has generated more than 65,000 jobs throughout the value chain. Olea emphasized that this has been achieved through Distributed Solar Generation (DSG), also known as solar roofs. Nuevo Leon, State of Mexico, Chihuahua, Mexico City and Jalisco are the states with the greater installed capacity, reported MBN.

According to data from CRE, the installed capacity of distributed solar generation in Nuevo Leon was 30MW in 2017, 45MW in 2018 and 59MW in 2019. Villareal explained that the power plant segment is smaller than 0.5 MW and complies with several permits, which makes this market highly attractive and dynamic. Villareal said the wholesale electricity market (MEM) is also highly attractive because the energy can be placed in the private sector, which is promoting clean energy at a lower cost, reported El Economista.

Villareal said next year, the budgetary restriction will obstacle several energy transfers to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). He emphasized that if the government wants to improve the economy, it must accept its coexistence with the private sector. He said an economic growth is expected along with an increase in the energy demand, especially from companies with clean energy alternatives. However, it is difficult to promote sustainable energy when the government does not want to collaborate with the private sector. "My expectation is a moderation in the energy policy, which aims to promote an open market with more participants," said Villarreal to El Economista.