Guanajuato Strengthens Logistics and Clean Energy

Summary: Guanajuato is strengthening its position as one of Mexico's leading industrial and logistics hubs by combining investments in transportation infrastructure with renewable energy projects. The logistics and mobility sector now contributes 7.4% of the state's GDP, while new distribution centers, airport expansion, solar installations and a planned geothermal plant are improving supply chain capacity, energy efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Together, these initiatives position the state to attract additional manufacturing, trade and foreign investment. 

Guanajuato's logistics and mobility sector now contributes 7.4% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP), supported by more than US$714 million in investments during the current state administration. At the same time, public institutions and private companies are expanding renewable energy projects across the state, reinforcing efforts to improve infrastructure, reduce operating costs and support long-term industrial growth.

State officials say these developments reflect Guanajuato's strategy of combining logistics infrastructure with energy efficiency to strengthen its competitiveness for manufacturing, trade and investment.

Guanajuato's location in central Mexico, established industrial base, transportation infrastructure and skilled workforce have positioned the state as a strategic hub for the movement of goods, passengers and industrial products across domestic and international markets.

As supply chains continue to evolve, logistics infrastructure has become an increasingly important factor in attracting investment. Guanajuato's latest figures illustrate the growing role of the sector within the state's economy. 

Logistics Sector Becomes a Key Economic Driver

The logistics and mobility industry contributes 7.4% of Guanajuato's GDP, making it the state's sixth-largest industry by value generation. During the current administration, the sector has attracted US$714.62 million in investment while generating employment for 51,094 people.

The state's logistics ecosystem includes 873 businesses involved in freight transportation, passenger mobility and warehousing services. This network supports industrial production while facilitating the movement of goods through domestic distribution channels and export corridors.

Operations are concentrated across 11 municipalities, with León, Celaya, Silao, Irapuato, Salamanca, Apaseo el Grande and Villagrán serving as the primary logistics centers. Their location along Guanajuato's industrial corridors enables companies to connect manufacturing facilities, industrial parks, distribution centers and export routes.

State authorities attribute the sector's expansion to Guanajuato's geographic position, transportation infrastructure, industrial capacity and workforce, which together have strengthened its role in Mexico's manufacturing supply chains.

The continued expansion of logistics infrastructure is also driving private investment in large-scale distribution facilities designed to support growing industrial and commercial activity. 

Distribution and Airport Investments Expand Capacity

One of the state's largest logistics projects is Walmart's distribution center in Silao. Construction began in 2024 with an investment of US$550 million. The facility currently employs 1,044 workers and is expected to strengthen warehousing and distribution capabilities throughout Guanajuato's industrial corridor.

The project increases storage capacity while improving the movement of merchandise serving both regional and national markets.

Air transportation infrastructure is also expanding. Earlier in 2026, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico announced an investment of US$164.64 million to expand and modernize Bajío International Airport.

The project aims to increase the airport's operational capacity in response to growing passenger traffic and rising business activity across the region. The expansion is expected to improve connectivity for companies operating in Guanajuato while supporting future investment opportunities.

Guanajuato Minister of Economy Claudia Cristina Villaseñor Aguilar said the projects demonstrate business confidence in the state and reinforce Guanajuato's position as a logistics and mobility hub. According to the state government, the infrastructure investments are expected to create opportunities for local suppliers, attract additional operations and improve connections between the state's industrial sector and national and international markets.

While transportation infrastructure continues to expand, state and municipal institutions are also investing in projects designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating expenses. 

Public Institutions Expand Renewable Energy Projects

Several public institutions have recently commissioned renewable energy projects as part of broader sustainability initiatives.

The Municipal Housing Institute of León (IMUVI) has begun operating a solar power system installed at its headquarters with support from the Municipal Environmental Fund (FAM). The project required an investment of MX$1.161 million (US$66,077) and is expected to reduce the institute's annual electricity costs to nearly zero, reported MBN. 

According to Rodrigo Alonso Díaz, Technical Area Director at IMUVI, the institute now generates the electricity it consumes through solar panels, supporting its goal of becoming a more sustainable organization.

The installation received the necessary regulatory approvals from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the National Energy Commission (CNE), allowing IMUVI to complete its transition to solar-generated electricity.

The University of Guanajuato is also expanding renewable energy infrastructure through its Institutional Energy Efficiency Program.

The university inaugurated a solar farm at its San Carlos campus consisting of 367 photovoltaic panels with an installed capacity of 238.6kWp. During its first phase, the system is expected to generate 383,111.3kWh annually.

According to the university, the project will reduce approximately 168.569 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions each year, an environmental impact comparable to planting 12,967 trees. The electricity generated has already been integrated into Campus León's energy consumption, reducing dependence on the conventional power grid.

The solar farm forms part of an MX$18 million investment financed through the federal Multiple Contributions Fund (FAM) for higher education. Additional renewable energy installations are planned for university campuses in León, Irapuato-Salamanca and Celaya-Salvatierra as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen institutional sustainability.

Alongside solar generation, private developers are advancing new renewable energy technologies intended to diversify the state's electricity supply. 

Geothermal Project Advances in Guanajuato

Private developer Energías Alternas, Estudios y Proyectos (ENAL) is planning an MX$80 million investment to develop a geothermal power plant in the Laja-Bajío region.

The facility will have an initial generation capacity of 12.5MW and will use binary cycle technology to produce continuous electricity from underground heat.

The project has already obtained permits from the Ministry of Energy (SENER), the National Energy Commission (CNE) and CFE.

Unlike conventional geothermal systems, binary cycle technology transfers underground heat to a secondary working fluid through a closed-loop process without extracting steam from the geothermal reservoir. According to ENAL, this approach allows uninterrupted electricity generation throughout the day while operating independently from groundwater used for residential, agricultural or industrial purposes.

Once connected to Mexico's National Electric System, the geothermal plant is expected to contribute to emissions reductions while further strengthening Guanajuato's position as a center for logistics, industrial development and renewable energy investment.