YKK to Develop a Solar Power Plant in Guanajuato

Guanajuato’s local government, acting through its Ministry of Sustainable Development (SDES), promoted an initiative by the Japanese company YKK to build a solar power plant and a water treatment plant, as actions to foster local renewable energy generation and sustainable water use.

The construction officially began on April 19, 2022, during a ceremony organized by YKK. The inaugural event was attended by Lorena Alfaro García, Mayor, the Municipality of Irapuato, Hector Muñoz, Director of Economic Development, Irapuato, Hideyuki Kubo, President, YKK Mexico and Jim Reed, President for the Americas, YKK, among others.

The leaders expressed enthusiasm toward the potential of the project, as the land designated for the power plant reportedly amounts to 12km2. The company expects that by fostering clean energy generation, CO2 emissions will be significantly reduced in the area and that the company will contribute to boosting sustainable development in Guanajuato.

During the ceremony, Alejandro Hernández Fonseca, Guanajuato’s Undersecretary of Investment Attraction, highlighted the relevant role of private companies in strengthening sustainable development practices. “This power plant exemplifies the fact that Guanajuato is generating confidence and that, with the support of the private initiative, [the state] maintains dynamic economic policies and [promotes] sustainable development, which helps us continue implementing policies to protect the environment and natural resources,” said Hernández. 

The solar power project is not the first initiative by YKK involving sustainable development practices. In Dec. 2021, YKK was granted the Environmental Certification of Clean Energy by the Environmental and Territorial Planning Office (PAOT). This certification is granted to companies that voluntarily submit themselves to be thoroughly reviewed to determine how well they implement environmentally-friendly solutions.

To that effect, two other companies based in Guanajuato were awarded the Environmental Certification, Bulk Tank International and International Paper Mexico. José Gerardo Morales, and Environmental Attorney, commended the companies for their commitment. “We know how hard it is to implement ISO criteria or environmental safety measures. That is what should make us feel proud to be from Guanajuato,” Morales said.

Guanajuato may indeed play a significant role in Mexico’s development of renewable energy generation. As Solar Power Mexico (SPM) has emphasized, the state possesses enormous potential due to its ideal location for wind and solar resources. SPM said that the local government has “implemented public policies and initiatives to encourage investment that have generated revenues of US$1.3 billion in energy projects.”