VIEW FROM THE TOP
2GW OF EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PAOLO ROMANACCI Director General of Enel Green Power México 58
Q: What are Enel’s key success factors in Mexico?
achieving in the design and execution of bankable
A: From the outset of our venture in Mexico, which
renewable energy projects.
began in 2008, Enel’s story has been marked by the innovations we introduced to the market. As showcased
Our expectation for the future is to maintain our
by the first two long-term electricity auctions, Enel
leadership position in Mexico pertaining to renewable
displayed continuity in its disruptive financial processes
energy, both in terms of installed capacity and project
and components within its proposals compared to the
portfolio. We believe that the transition of Mexico’s
usual market behavior for the third long-term electricity
energy market from a matrix dominated by fossil fuels
auction. One of the keys of our success lies in the long and
to greener energies is proving to be successful and will
prosperous relationship we maintain with our suppliers.
continue to do so in the future.
The fact that Enel Green Power is a renewable energy leader in the country, with 728MW of installed capacity
Q: What are your plans for Mexico’s spot market?
and 1,285MW under construction, enables us to move
A: Without a doubt, Mexico’s Energy Reform has opened
large volumes. Our 10-year history in Mexico ensures we
a wide spectrum of opportunities and a sizable field of
can rely on strategic partners with whom we exchange
potential investments for which Enel has always shown
the best solutions available in the sector.
interest in participating. At present, we are focusing on two main areas. First, power generation. Enel Green
The four wind power projects we were awarded in the
Power Mexico is determined to become the country’s
last long-term electricity auction are a testament to our
largest renewable energy producer and a commercial
commitment to top-tier technology, including larger and
leader in energy trading, with a bilateral contract portfolio
more efficient wind turbines by market benchmarks.
nearing 2TWh per year to supply electricity to the largest
Our track record of successful results has won us the
commercial and industrial groups in Mexico. Second, we
confidence of both national and international markets,
will keep strengthening our qualified supply division,
unlocking optimal financial conditions. Adding up all these
Enel Energía México, officially launched in October 2017.
factors equals a highly competitive economic offering, on
Through this new division, we offer electric energy, power,
par with the requirements of Mexico's utility-scale projects.
CELs and other energy solutions for companies with an electricity demand larger than 1MW per year and looking
Q: What are your expectations and ambitions for future
to comply with the soon-to-be compulsory requirements
long-term electricity auctions in Mexico?
for consuming electricity provided by clean energy
A: The auctions published and executed by the Ministry
generating technologies starting in 2018.
of Energy and CENACE are an excellent instrument for the construction of new renewable energy projects. In
Q: What is Enel’s investment portfolio status and how
the three editions completed so far, Enel Green Power
will it evolve in 2018?
was awarded close to 1.6GW, making it the largest winner
A: Since we set up operations in Mexico, we have invested
across the board. We have all hands on deck to turn
close to US$2.7 billion just on generation plants. The
the first auction projects into soon-to-be operational
investment required by the four awarded projects we won
additions to the grid. Projects such as Villanueva,
during the third long-term electricity auction amounts
advancing at a record pace, will become the continent’s
to another US$700 million. Both numbers demonstrate
largest PV park and Enel’s largest worldwide.
Mexico is a strategic market for Enel Group.
These landmarks will contribute to demonstrating
Q: Could you give us an update on Enel’s soon-to-be
the successes both the public and private sectors are
operational projects for 2018?
