The Mexican state-owned company CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) is expected to promptly launch the third of four stages of the 1 GW Puerto Peñasco solar park in the state of Sonora, representing approximately 300 MW of capacity.
Rafael Cabanillas, the state energy director, stated during a virtual conference on Wednesday that CFE, the entity responsible for tenders, should have everything ready, as construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.
“The calls for tenders are issued by CFE; we don’t control them, but we monitor them. Regarding the third phase, it is planned to start later this year,” said the authority.
The first stage of the 1 GW photovoltaic plant—an emblematic project of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador—was inaugurated in early 2023 and comprises 120 MW.
The 300 MW of the second phase would be ready for grid interconnection, while the fourth stage (280 MW) should conclude by 2028.
The extended construction period is related to an interconnection project aimed at connecting the neighboring state of Baja California, as explained by Cabanillas in June.
Puerto Peñasco, which is the pinnacle of the Sonora Sustainable Energy Plan valued at $50 billion, has opened doors to international players, including solution providers, construction companies, and photovoltaic technology manufacturers.
For instance, executives from Hitachi Energy and Huawei revealed in interviews with BNamericas on May 2 and May 7 that their companies are implementing technological solutions for the project. Meanwhile, the Latin America sales manager of Chinese solar solutions manufacturer Arctech Solar, Olvia Malagón Pfeiffer, mentioned to BNamericas in November of last year that the company won a bid for the initiative.
Mexico’s presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, if elected on June 2, has promised to continue with the project.
Source: BN Americas
