Jalisco creates sustainable energy secretariat to spur investment

Mexico’s Jalisco state, the country’s fourth largest economy, opened a secretariat for sustainable energy development (Sedes) to attract sector investments. 

The government said the supply of clean and sustainable energy was essential for investors.

“Global companies prioritize states that offer renewable energy, access to natural gas and a reliable energy infrastructure,” Sedes head Manuel Herrera Vega said in a press release. “Having a sustainable and competitive energy supply will not only attract new investments, but will also generate more and better jobs for the local population.”

The secretariat’s 10-point action plan includes accelerating the use of renewable energy and increasing cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The development of renewable energy stalled during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador from 2018 to 2024. 

López Obrador prioritized increasing the market share of state-owned utility CFE, which depends mainly on fossil fuels to generate power.

Analysts have said Mexico's reliance on fossil fuels makes it harder to attract investments from companies looking to take advantage of nearshoring.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October, has pledged to boost renewable energy.

Jalisco accounts for 7.5% of Mexico’s GDP.