Lack of technicians and storage hinder Mexico's energy transition, experts say

Mexico's ambitious energy transition is facing significant hurdles due to a critical lack of specialized technicians and the urgent need to expand electricity storage infrastructure, industry experts warned. Despite boasting approximately 14,000 megawatts of solar power capacity, the country struggles to effectively install and maintain these systems without a qualified workforce.

Marco Antonio Guzmán, president of the Mexican Association of the Photovoltaic Industry, emphasized that even with advanced technology and investment, projects can fail due to improper installation by unqualified personnel. He noted the market's shift towards integrating batteries, hybrid inverters, and energy management systems, which demands higher levels of specialization, supervision, and robust safety protocols to prevent electrical or thermal failures and fires.

While Mexico's governmental solar roof program has reached over 5,300 homes and aims to benefit 15,000 families, Guzmán stressed the importance of ensuring installations and maintenance are handled by skilled professionals. The integration of larger solar modules in residential settings also raises concerns about suitability and safety without expert oversight.

Yolanda Villegas, president of the Mexican Association of Electrification and Mobility Storage, stated that batteries have evolved from mere accessories to strategic infrastructure. They are crucial for storing electricity during periods of surplus and deploying it during peak demand, thereby reducing grid stress and ensuring operational continuity for industries. She added that reliable and cost-effective energy supply is paramount for new industrial plants, and storage solutions can significantly cut energy costs, potentially reducing hotel energy bills by up to 40%.

Gilberto Sánchez, president of the National Solar Energy Association, reported that Mexico's solar capacity stands at around 14,000 MW, with 9,000 MW from large-scale projects and 5,000 MW from distributed generation. He pointed out that the primary bottleneck is not generation capacity, which exceeds demand with a reserve margin, but rather the distribution grids and managing unforeseen consumption growth. Sánchez also advocated for expanding the transition to industrial heat, noting that over 60% of energy consumed by Mexican industry is for thermal needs, a sector where solar thermal capacity could replace significant amounts of natural gas.