Solar's Strategic Shift to DG Growth: ANES

Q: How has ANES's role within the Mexican energy sector evolved, and what part have you played in boosting solar's position in Mexico’s energy mix?

A: ANES has undergone a remarkable transformation: from a small academic forum in its early days, it has grown into a true catalyst for change in the energy sector. Today, we are much more than an association — we are a dynamic community driving the solar agenda, from research laboratories to the rooftops of small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to our work in outreach, training, and close collaboration with academia and industry, ANES has helped solidify solar energy as a viable, competitive, and increasingly indispensable part of the national energy matrix.

Q: According to EPC companies, the increase in the Distributed Generation (DG) limit, from 0.5 to 0.7MW, means that the expansion of the installed base is a big opportunity. Do you consider that this increase will make DG an attractive option for Mexico’s industrial base?

A: Absolutely. The increase in the capacity limit represents a very significant step in consolidating DG as an increasingly viable and attractive option for Mexico's industrial sector. This increment allows industrial companies to meet a larger portion of their energy needs through their own generation. This dramatically reduces their reliance on the grid and, consequently, their exposure to volatile energy prices in the market. If this push for DG is accompanied by adequate incentives, improved storage infrastructure, and, crucially, intelligent energy management, it can become a key pillar for the decarbonization and modernization of Mexico's industrial sector.

Q: What opportunities does the new model of self-consumption bring to the market, both for offtakers and energy companies?

A: Self-consumption empowers offtakers to take control of their energy and significantly reduce costs. This is a crucial benefit. Meanwhile, energy companies find new opportunities to offer customized solutions, such as storage and digital services. It is unequivocally a win-win strategy that accelerates the energy transition.

Q: What are the main challenges you identify in the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?

A: BESS deployment represents a significant challenge for Mexico as a whole. Battery energy storage systems still entail very high costs and require innovative financing models. Thus, a major hurdle is the regulatory framework. Current Mexican regulations do not adequately acknowledge the added value that batteries offer. There is also a technological challenge: ensuring durability, safety, and efficient integration in distributed generation and national grids. While energy storage is not yet the "Holy Grail," it is certainly getting closer every day. We are already collaborating with universities, government institutions, and, notably, private companies, as BESS is gaining momentum.

Q: What are the main changes you anticipate from the integration of regulators, CNH and CRE, into the National Energy Commission (CNE)?

A: I view it as a double-edged sword. On one hand, if executed properly, it could streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy. However, there is also the risk of centralizing control and potentially limiting private participation. ANES insists that any restructuring must prioritize the energy transition and guarantee clear rules for all stakeholders. Public and private companies, large consumers, investors, civil society, and even academia.

Q: What opportunities do you envision for the solar sector in Mexico, given that it has shrunk significantly due to the halt on utility-scale projects?

A: Rather than viewing this as an end to opportunities, which some might, I see it as the beginning of a new stage. Private actors will now need to be more creative and competitive. They must concentrate on niches such as distributed generation, self-consumption, and the value-added services that these models can offer. The key will be to adapt, innovate, and demonstrate that solar energy, and renewables in general, are not about monopolies but about efficiency, sustainability, and tangible benefits for end-users. This is the vision I perceive with clarity, and I hope it will be widely adopted.

Q: According to the National Chamber of Electricity Products (CANAME), Mexico has a strong and specialized manufacturing sector for electric components. What are Mexico’s strengths in this regard, and how is it recognized internationally?

A: Firstly, we have a consolidated industrial capacity. Mexico boasts one of Latin America's most comprehensive electrical manufacturing supply chains, ranging from transformers and switchboards to cabling, switches, and specialized components for renewables. This reduces reliance on imports and offers flexibility to adapt to new trends, such as components for solar systems and batteries, as we just discussed.

Secondly, our highly qualified workforce is a major asset. The country's engineers and technicians are recognized for their skill, creativity, and adaptability, which has been crucial in attracting international investments.

Another incredibly important point is our integration into the global market, thanks to USMCA and the impetus of nearshoring. Mexico is not just manufacturing for domestic consumption; it continues to solidify its position as an export hub for the United States, Canada, and other markets. This reinforces international confidence in the quality of "Made in Mexico" products.

Finally, I must mention our robust regulations and certifications. Mexican companies adhere to international standards like UL and national NOMs, which enhances their reputation and opens doors to more demanding markets.

Q: How do you promote the implementation of the CALIDENA methodology into Mexico’s energy supply chain?

A: The CALIDENA methodology is strategically promoted to strengthen competitiveness and quality across various value chains. Its implementation involves collaborations with entities such as PTB, the Ministry of Economy, EMA, laboratories, and key standardization bodies. The methodology relies on participatory analyses, workshops, and the development of roadmaps to identify quality bottlenecks and propose concrete actions, including training, infrastructure improvements, and certifications.

Q: There have been 48 editions of the National Energy Week (SNES). What have been some of the most relevant contributions born out of this initiative, and what do you expect from this new edition?

A: This 49th edition remains crucial. At each SNES, we strive to showcase the latest in research and applications. We also seek to foster connections across the entire energy mix, from convening students and companies to engaging with the broader society. Our goal is for SNES to be a seedbed of innovation, a meeting point to accelerate projects with real, tangible impact, and to position Mexico as a regional solar leader with international reach and prestige.

Q: According to the ANES website, you are the third woman to be in charge of the association. What have been some of the major changes that have been implemented by your predecessors and yourself to ensure gender equality and equity in a male-dominated field such as energy?

A: The energy sector has been largely male-dominated. Today, more than anything, we strive to empower women to take on leadership roles and occupy technical and objective positions. I see this as a valuable opportunity to reshape the rules and truly propel the momentum for women in the energy industry.

As president, I am advocating for concrete strategies to strengthen female participation and leadership. We are actively working to enhance their visibility and provide platforms for their voices. For instance, a key initiative is ensuring female representation from ANES at every congress, forum, or working group. We are also forging alliances with universities, research centers, and companies to provide scholarships. We offer scholarships specifically to students and women, and our courses, for example, have special pricing for women. We also provide specific training for women interested in solar energy and renewables in general. Our objective is not only to open more spaces for women in the solar sector but also to ensure they have the tools and appropriate environment to thrive. We aspire for Mexico to be a leader not just in solar energy but also in equity and inclusion. Truly, if there is one thing I have learned, it is that when women lead, and here we are, four women, the energy transition advances with greater force and a truly integral vision.

Q: What are the association’s objectives for 2025?

A: As president of ANES, my proposals are centered on strengthening community engagement, with a particular emphasis on delivering eco-technologies to vulnerable populations. My objective is to provide the most accessible and practical solutions for communities that currently lack energy access. Through hands-on workshops, we aim to bring energy to households in diverse and sustainable forms (including solar cookers, solar dryers, and photovoltaic systems) with a strong focus on distributed generation to enhance local autonomy and impact. In regions without access to conventional gas or electricity, we are committed to offering viable alternatives such as solar water distillation and other adaptable eco-technologies, empowering communities to meet their basic needs sustainably and with dignity.

The National Solar Energy Association was created in 1980. Its main activity is to provide a forum for the discussion of ideas, the comparison and exchange of results, and the promotion of solar energy.