Executive Summary:
On May 11, 2026, the Ministry of Energy (“SENER“) published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (“DOF") the "Second Call for Priority Attention to Applications for Electric Power Generation Permits and Interconnection to the National Electric System, Aligned with Binding Planning" (the “Second Call for Applications”). Its publication is based on the favorable results of the first call in October 2025, through which the National Energy Commission (“CNE“) granted 18 permits for electricity generation.
Key Aspects:
- To whom? The Second Call is aimed at all people interested in developing new electricity generation projects with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW, that intend to interconnect to the National Electric System (“SEN“) and align with binding planning.
- Excluded projects. The following projects are excluded from the scope of the Second Call for Proposals: (i) distributed generation; (ii) self-consumption in any form; (iii) cogeneration; (iv) Mixed Development Schemes; (v) projects that do not require a permit under the Electricity Sector Law (“LSE“), and (vi) projects associated with previously granted and valid permits.
- Platform. All procedures are handled through the Single Window for Strategic Projects in the Energy Sector ( "VUPE“), available in https://ventanillaunica.energia.gob.mxThe VUPE is the main channel for registration, tracking and notifications throughout the process.
Key Points: Technical Requirements and Conditions of Participation
Projects must meet the following technical and alignment criteria to be eligible:
- Renewable technology: The projects must correspond to renewable energy sources.
- Battery Electrical Energy Storage System (“SAEE”): The SAEE sizing is required to be at least 30% of the power plant's capacity, having a minimum duration of three hours, and that it fulfills the technical and operational functions established in Annex 14.4 of the Second Call.
- Start of Commercial Operation: The start date of commercial operations must fall within the period covered between 2027 and the first half of 2030.
- Technical, social and environmental viability: Applicants must have documentary evidence of the feasibility procedures carried out before SENER, CENACE and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT").
Likewise, the permit titles issued under the Second Call for Proposals must contain and comply with, among others, the following deadlines and obligations:
- 8 months from the notification of the permit to accredit the project's financing scheme.
- 6 months from the notification of the permit to obtain the final authorization regarding the Social Impact Statement of the Energy Sector and the authorization regarding environmental impact.
- Submit the financial guarantee to CENACE prior to signing the interconnection contract, corresponding to the estimated amount of the accepted interconnection and reinforcement works.
Process Calendar
The process for the Second Call for Proposals is carried out according to the following schedule, whose dates correspond to the year 2026 and the days are counted as working days unless expressly indicated:
| Stage | Date(s) | Required action from applicant |
| Publication of the Second Call for Applications | May 11th | None |
| Registration of expression of interest and request for interconnection studies (VUPE) | 13 al 22 de mayo | Complete the CENACE Expression of Interest and Interconnection Studies Request Form in the VUPE |
| CENACE prevention and applicant support | 25 al 28 de mayo | Correct omissions required by CENACE |
| Determination of payments for interconnection studies (CENACE) | May 29 to June 1 | Submit any additional information required by CENACE |
| Payment for studies before CENACE | 2 al 8 de junio | Submit proof of payment through the VUPE |
| Submission of application for generation permit to the CNE (OPE) | 9 from June to 8 from July | Submit application to the Electronic Filing Office of the CNE |
| Review of requirements and notification of warnings by the CNE | 9 to 13 July | Review CNE notifications through the OPE |
| CNE prevention measures | 14 to 17 July | Submit the required information and documentation to the OPE |
| Notification of costs for Reinforcement and Interconnection Works (CENACE) | July 20th | Check the notification in the VUPE |
| Express acceptance of Interconnection and Reinforcement Works | 21 to 28 July | Submit the Works Acceptance Form to the VUPE |
| Re-evaluation of Reinforcement and Interconnection Works (if applicable) | 29 from July to 4 from August | None |
| Acceptance of redefined Works (if applicable) | 5 to August 6 | Submit the updated Works Acceptance Form to the VUPE |
| Technical evaluation by the Technical Analysis Group and the Technical Committee of the CNE | 7 to August 14 | None |
| Publication of results | August 17th, XNUMX | Review the publication on the VUPE and the CNE portal |
| Notification of approved permits | August 18th, XNUMX | Review notification through the OPE |
| Withdrawal of previous applications (if applicable) | 19 to August 24 | Submit withdrawal to the CNE's OPE |
| Presentation of financial guarantees | Prior to signing the contract | Submit a guarantee to CENACE through the VUPE |
| Subscription of the interconnection contract | In accordance with regulations | Submit technical, financial and corporate documentation |
| Start of Commercial Operation | According to permit title | Take steps to initiate business operations |
Reference Links: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5787117&fecha=11/05/2026#gsc.tab=0
Contact: 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 Second Call.
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