CALL FOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS FOR THE GENERATION AND STORAGE OF ELECTRIC POWER

Executive Summary:

On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Energy (“SENER”) published in the Official Gazette of the Federation the “Call for Proposals for Strategic Electricity Generation and Storage Projects, Aligned with Binding Planning” (the “Call for Proposals”), aimed at private entities interested in developing renewable energy generation projects or electricity storage systems (“SAEE”) aligned with the sector’s binding planning. The Call for Proposals opens a registration period from May 25 to August 25, 2026, and includes the possibility of developing projects in partnership with the Federal Electricity Commission (“CFE”) under Mixed Development Schemes. The procedures are managed through the Single Window for Strategic Energy Sector Projects (“VUPE”), available at https://ventanillaunica.energia.gob.mx

To whom?

• The Call is open to all individuals or legal entities interested in developing any of the following types of projects:
  • Generating plants of renewable electricity with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW, or
  • SAEE Non-associated with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW.

• Excluded projects. Are excluded The Call for Proposals excludes projects related to (i) distributed generation, (ii) self-consumption in its various forms, (iii) cogeneration, and (iv) power plants that already hold a generation permit prior to the publication of this Call for Proposals. Similarly, SAEE projects that do not require a permit, those associated with transmission or distribution infrastructure, and those linked to permits or authorizations valid at the time of registration are also excluded.
• Platform. All procedures are managed through the VUPE available at https://ventanillaunica.energia.gob.mx The VUPE is the main channel for registration, tracking, and notifications throughout the process.

Key Aspects

Projects must meet the following technical and alignment criteria to be eligible: 

• Administrative simplification and strategic nature. The Call for Proposals does not impose any requirements beyond those stipulated in the applicable regulations. Its value lies in giving priority to projects aligned with the binding planning, differentiating them based on their technical soundness, operational viability, and contribution to the National Electric System. (“SEN”).

• Projects in Partnership with CFE. Applicants may choose to develop their projects under a Mixed Development Scheme with the CFE, in Mixed Investment, Long Term Production or other forms permitted by the State Public Enterprise Law, which constitutes a differentiating element within the evaluation process.

• VUPE platform as the sole means. All registrations, study requests, notifications, work acceptances, and process monitoring must be carried out exclusively through the VUPE. The formal permit application before the National Energy Commission (“CNE“) is processed through the Electronic Filing Office (“OPE”) available in https://ope.cne.gob.mx.

• Financial guarantees. Once the permit has been obtained, the applicant must submit financial guarantee (bank deposit, Treasury Certificates or Standby Letter of Credit) for the interconnection or reinforcement works determined by the National Energy Control Center (CENACE), which must be presented prior to the signing of the interconnection contract. 
• Post-permit obligations. Permit titles will include, among others, the following mandatory timeframes: 
  • 8 months to accredit the project's financing scheme.6 months to obtain the final authorization regarding environmental impact and the Social Impact Statement for the Energy Sector.
  • 6 months to obtain the final authorization regarding environmental impact and the Social Impact Statement for the Energy Sector.
  • Start of works in accordance with the program established in the permit title.

Stages and Deadlines of the Process

The process unfolds in two main phases: the technical evaluation (interconnection studies and opinion of the Technical Analysis Group) and the obtaining the permitThe key stages are outlined below: 

SAEE Required Capacity References

The Call for Proposals establishes the following references for Required Capacity for Non-Associated Electrical Energy Storage Systems, prioritizing projects with Start of Commercial Operation before 2030:

Considerations for Project Developers

The Call for Proposals represents a concrete opportunity for private industry to actively participate in strengthening the National Electric System (SEN), aligning with the State's energy policy. However, it involves a rigorous technical and regulatory process that requires: (i) evidence of technical, social, and environmental viability before the competent authorities; (ii) irrevocable acceptance of the interconnection works once approved; and (iii) strict adherence to deadlines, failure to comply with which may result in the termination or revocation of the permit.

It is important to note that applications submitted outside the established deadlines They will not be able to participate in subsequent stages, and that the projects registered under this Call They cannot participate simultaneously in other calls for proposals.

• Reference Links: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5787666&fecha=15/05/2026#gsc.tab=0

• Contact details:

En Santamarina + Steta We have a specialized team that can accompany you at every stage of the process: from the preparation and presentation of your regulatory file to the management of permits before the CNE, the CENACE and the SEMARNAT, including compliance with the environmental, social and financial obligations required by the Call for Proposals.