FRV (Fotowatio Renewable Ventures), a leading global developer of large-scale solar power plants and part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has been awarded a 30-year 300 MW solar project in the second electricity market auction, conducted by the National Energy Control Center (CENACE) of Mexico. With this Build-Operate-Own agreement, FRV extends its global footprint into the Mexican market at very a competitive rate of $26.99/MWh for the first 15 years of the project.
The construction of the plant will begin in mid-2018 and will become operational in mid-2019. The plant will create approximately 250 local jobs as part of the construction phase and a further 20 jobs during operations. The plant will generate enough green electricity to supply approximately 76,100 homes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 97.7 million tons of CO2.
The project will supply energy to the Mexican government, through the CFE, the Federal Commission of Electricity, and help their plans to generate 35 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2024. Through this round of auctions, Mexico plans to build more than 15,000 MW of new installed capacity of renewable energy.
“Mexico is one of the world’s richest markets in renewable energy sources and presents numerous opportunities for FRV and international investors. FRV’s success in this auction marks a milestone as it further expands the company’s footprint in Latin America and supports its global growth plans,” said Rafael Benjumea, CEO of FRV.
“Our pipeline in the country, in addition to our expertise and competitiveness, places us in a good position to continue participating in future auctions.”
FRV was acquired by Abdul Latif Jameel Energy (a division of Abdul Latif Jameel International DMCC) in April 2015, following the successful joint venture partnership announced between the two companies in January 2014. The acquisition resulted in Abdul Latif Jameel Energy’s 100 percent ownership of FRV.
FRV has had presence in Latin America since 2013. In January 2016, FRV’s La Jacinta solar plant commenced operations, making Uruguay home to one of the largest solar photovoltaics (PV) projects in Latin America. — SG
