The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the Energy Ministry (Sener) awarded a total of 7,411 megawatts of renewable capacity across 37 projects on June 18, 2026, exceeding the initial 6,500 MW target by 14%, according to Energía Hoy. The package includes 1,850 megawatts of battery energy storage systems (BESS), the first industrial-scale deployment in Mexican electricity history.
Mixed Development Model
The joint CFE-Sener call, launched February 6, 2026, operates under a public-private partnership model. The CFE retains at least 54% stake in each project while private developers contribute up to 46%. Expansion reported that 394 companies submitted interest, with total offered capacity reaching 581% of the initial target.
Industrial Energy Storage at Scale
Battery storage allows industrial companies to manage their own loads with renewable energy, cut operating costs, and maintain power continuity during peak demand periods without relying solely on the national grid. This marks the beginning of large-scale industrial energy storage in Mexico.
Project Breakdown and Investment
The 37 contracts comprise 33 solar photovoltaic parks and 4 wind farms, with an estimated total investment of 7.4 billion dollars and expected operations between 2028 and 2029. Projects concentrate in the Yucatan Peninsula and the country's northeast, regions with strong solar and wind resources. Wind capacity awarded came to 700 megawatts from the 2,850 MW target.
The process received over 200 proposals offering approximately 38 gigawatts of capacity, per Energía Hoy. The National Energy Control Center (Cenace) projects peak electrical demand will reach 54,000 megawatts during summer heat waves.
Next Steps and Future Pipeline
Long-term contract signings, scheduled for coming months, will set rates and operational conditions for each project. With 8,647 megawatts of additional battery storage projected as necessary by 2039, this first round establishes technical and regulatory precedent for future mixed investment rounds.
FAQ
**How many renewable megawatts did CFE award in June 2026?**
CFE and Sener awarded 7,411 MW across 37 projects on June 18, 2026, exceeding the 6,500 MW target by 14%.
**What is BESS battery storage in the new CFE award?**
The award includes 1,850 MW of battery energy storage systems that store renewable energy and distribute it according to industrial demand peaks, reducing operational costs.
**When will the awarded renewable projects begin operating?**
All 37 projects are projected to enter operation between 2028 and 2029, with estimated total investment of 7.4 billion dollars.
