Mexico has made significant progress in expanding its renewable energy project pipeline over the past two months. Between December 2025 and January 2026, a total of 2,330 MW of renewable energy capacity entered the environmental assessment process, according to an analysis by Energía Estratégica based on data from the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), through its Directorate-General for Environmental Impact and Risk (DGIRA).

Solar power accounted for around 85% of the total capacity submitted, consolidating its position as the leading technology during the period. Wind power also showed renewed activity, with proposals such as the 100 MW IGU Wind Farm, promoted by Atlantica Renewable Power México in Juchitán, Oaxaca.

One of the main drivers behind this new wave of projects is the state-owned utility Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), which submitted two large-scale solar PV developments in the northern state of Coahuila.

The first, Río Escondido, involves 180 MW of installed capacity on land adjacent to the José López Portillo thermal power plant. The project includes a new substation, an energy storage system, interconnection lines and a footprint of more than 260 hectares, primarily covered by Tamaulipas thorn scrub vegetation.

In parallel, CFE also submitted the Carbón II project in Nava, Coahuila, with a proposed capacity of 400 MW (AC). The plant is expected to generate around 700 GWh per year and would affect more than 550 hectares of forest vegetation, including oak forest and thorn scrub.

Another flagship private-sector development is Rincón del Arco, a large solar complex in Mina, Nuevo León, promoted by Complejo Centella S.A. de C.V. Still under environmental review, the project plans to install 720 MW in two phases, deploying more than 1.54 million solar panels across nearly 2,000 hectares. It also includes a transmission line with a right of way exceeding 32 metres in width.

In south-eastern Mexico, three solar projects stand out. These include the 71 MW Kukul Solar Park in Ticul, Yucatán; the 90 MW Energías Renovables de México Cuatro photovoltaic project in Sucilá; and La Sauceda Solar, a 124 MW plant in Guanajuato, which has already secured environmental approval.

Further progress has been reported in Jalisco, where the 100 MW Cuquío Solar Park, promoted by Energías Renovables Venta III, is advancing with a projected operating life of 30 years. In Zacatecas, Rancho Nuevo Solar S.A.P.I. de C.V. is developing an 80 MW solar plant that has also obtained its environmental permit.

The state of Quintana Roo has shown momentum in both solar and wind energy. On the solar side, the 100 MW Laguna OM Solar Park in Othón P. Blanco includes substations, access roads, meteorological stations and designated conservation areas. Meanwhile, the Vientos del Caribe Wind Farm, developed by Eólica del Rocío S.A. de C.V., plans to install 200 MW of capacity with a 30-year operational life.

From a geographic perspective, Coahuila leads the ranking of capacity under environmental review, with 580 MW driven by CFE projects. It is followed by Nuevo León with 720 MW, while Yucatán totals 161 MW and Quintana Roo reaches 300 MW when combining solar and wind. Other states such as Guanajuato, Jalisco, Oaxaca and Zacatecas are also part of this latest renewable push.

Beyond installed capacity, the project portfolio reveals a clear trend towards more integrated renewable developments. Many initiatives include transmission lines, energy storage systems and step-up substations, signalling a stronger focus on grid integration and system reliability.

Project lifetimes range from as little as one year to as long as 35 years, although most developments are designed for 25–30 years of operation, reflecting long-term investment strategies.

The surge in renewable projects submitted to SEMARNAT sends a positive signal for Mexico’s clean energy sector, at a time when energy diversification and emissions reduction are increasingly urgent. This momentum follows a recent government tender for private developers that awarded 3.3 GW of renewable capacity and 1.2 GW of energy storage, with a second round still pending.

In parallel, CFE has announced plans to install 1.5 GW of renewables and storage, including the expansion of the Puerto Peñasco project.

If all these initiatives move forward, Mexico could add more than 2.3 GW of new clean generation capacity, strengthening its power mix with fresh investment, grid-ready infrastructure and advanced renewable technologies.