SENER PUBLISHES CALL FOR STRATEGIC ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND ENERGY STORAGE PROJECTS ALIGNED WITH BINDING PLANNING

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INFORMATIVE NOTE

On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Energy (“SENER”) published in the Official Gazette of the Federation the “Call for Strategic Electricity Generation and Energy Storage Projects Aligned with Binding Planning” (the “Call”). Subsequently, on May 26, 2026, SENER published an agreement amending certain deadlines established therein (the “Amendment”).

The Call aims to establish a priority mechanism for the submission, evaluation and resolution of applications for electricity generation and energy storage permits aligned with binding planning, as well as for the processing of connection and interconnection studies related to such projects. In addition, the Call contemplates the possibility of developing projects in association with the Federal Electricity Commission (“CFE”) through mixed development schemes.

Among the most relevant aspects of the Call and the Amendment are the following:

1. Eligible Projects

  • Renewable electricity generation projects with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW; and
  • Stand-alone energy storage systems with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW.

Projects shall, among other requirements:

  • contribute to the reliability, efficiency and sustainability objectives of the National Electric System (“SEN”);
  • contribute to the country’s energy needs in accordance with binding planning;
  • provide documentary evidence regarding technical, social and environmental feasibility; and
  • indicate the applicable association or mixed development scheme, where applicable.

Likewise, the Call expressly excludes distributed generation, self-consumption, cogeneration and certain energy storage systems associated with existing permits or authorizations.

2. Participation of Authorities and Use of the VUPE

The National Energy Commission (“CNE”) will be responsible for receiving, processing and resolving the corresponding permit applications, while the National Energy Control Center (“CENACE”) will participate in the performance and evaluation of connection and interconnection studies.

The Single Window for Strategic Energy Sector Projects (“VUPE”) will serve as the primary platform for the registration, monitoring and management of projects submitted under the Call.

3. Interconnection Studies and Acceptance of Works

The Call establishes a specific procedure for the performance of connection and interconnection studies by CENACE, including the determination of costs related to Interconnection Works, Connection Works and Reinforcement Works.

Likewise, applicants that decide to continue in the process shall expressly accept, through the corresponding format, the works and costs determined by CENACE. Once the characteristics and costs associated with such works have been accepted, their execution shall become irrevocable.

4. Obligations Following the Granting of the Permit

  • Permits that may eventually be granted by the CNE shall include, among other obligations:
  • evidence the project’s financing structure within 8 months following notification of the permit;
  • evidence the submission of financial guarantees related to Interconnection Works, Connection Works and Reinforcement Works prior to the execution of the corresponding agreement;
  • obtain the applicable social and environmental authorizations within the prescribed timeframes; and
  • commence the works in accordance with the schedule approved in the permit.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the initiation of termination, revocation or other procedures provided under the applicable legal framework.

5. Amendment of Relevant Deadlines

Through the Amendment published on May 26, 2026, SENER adjusted various deadlines established in the Call in order to encourage broader participation by interested parties. Among other changes, the period for the submission of expressions of interest and applications for connection and interconnection studies through the VUPE was extended and now runs from June 2 to September 2, 2026.

At RGR, we are monitoring the Call and the Amendment recently published by SENER. Should you require assistance in connection with electricity generation projects, energy storage projects, interconnection matters or the structuring of projects under association schemes with CFE, we would be pleased to assist.