Solar Expands, BESS Grows: Week in Energy

Mexico’s government has paused its plans to divide the national power grid into separate regional zones, aiming to protect grid stability and avoid potential disruptions.

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Mexico Halts Power Zone Split to Protect Grid Stability

Authorities said the proposed split, intended to decentralize grid management, presented risks given current infrastructure limitations. The decision signals a more cautious approach as the country prioritizes strengthening transmission lines and ensuring system reliability before moving forward with structural changes. For now, the grid will remain unified as officials reassess the best path toward modernization and resilience.

CFE Restores Power to 100% of Users Affected in Oaxaca, Guerrero

Following severe weather disruptions caused by Hurricane Erick, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced Monday that it had restored power for 100% of users affected. Last week, MBN reported that CFE had restored electricity to 68% of users impacted across Oaxaca and Guerrero. The damage, caused by heavy rains and strong winds, affected infrastructure in multiple regions. CFE prioritized critical services and coordinated with local authorities to ensure full restoration. Currently only one 115kV transmission line of the five affected remains under repair. 

Puerto Peñasco Launches Bidding Process for Solar Farm Expansion

Puerto Peñasco solar plant in Sonora, one of the country’s flagship clean energy projects, has officially opened the bidding process for its next phase. This expansion will significantly increase the plant’s generation capacity by 300MW, representing an investment of US$454 million. This is the third stage of a fourth stage plan in this solar farm to boost renewable energy in northern Mexico. 

The Potential of Battery Storage in Mexico’s Energy Transition

Battery energy storage is emerging as a crucial element in Mexico’s clean energy transition, helping to stabilize the grid and integrate more intermittent renewable sources. Experts highlight regulatory, financial, and technical challenges but note growing interest from private developers. With supportive policy and investment, battery storage could enhance reliability, reduce curtailment of renewables, and accelerate Mexico’s decarbonization.

Baja California Pushes to Recover MX$123 Million From Failed Solar Deal

The government of Baja California is seeking to recover MX$123 million from a failed public-private solar energy deal that never reached completion. Authorities allege contractual breaches and lack of permits and are pursuing legal avenues to reclaim the funds. The government alleges that this situation could have been worse, as they successfully avoided a larger financial blow of MX$5 billion.

BCC Meets With Sheinbaum to Discuss Energy Investment

Members of the Business Council of Canada (BCC) met with President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum to discuss investment opportunities in Mexico’s energy sector. The meeting emphasized collaboration in clean energy transition, innovation, and diversification. BCC representatives expressed their eagerness to continue developing natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and extraction facilities within the country.