Mexico Approves Major Solar Park Project in Yucatan

Peto, Yucatan — Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has approved a major solar energy project in the southern Yucatan municipality of Peto. The “Parque Fotovoltaico Energías Renovables Saas” project, proposed by the company Energías Renovables, received environmental clearance on February 11, 2026, following an environmental impact assessment submitted in November 2022.

The project involves installing a solar park to generate electricity from photovoltaic panels, with an expected operational lifespan exceeding 50 years. Construction will require clearing and leveling the land, installing metal structures, solar panels, inverters, and building electrical infrastructure including a transmission line to distribute the generated power.

Project Timeline and Components

The development plan allocates two years for site preparation, another two years for construction and equipment installation, followed by 50 years of operation and maintenance. Temporary facilities including worker camps, dining areas, security posts, storage, and portable restrooms will be established during construction.

After its operational life, the site will undergo decommissioning and dismantling under a specific plan requiring approval from environmental authorities. The entire project spans approximately 54 years before closure procedures begin.

Environmental Assessment and Mitigation

The environmental impact assessment identified potential effects on vegetation, wildlife, soil, water, and landscape. Field studies recorded over 200 animal species in the region and several plant species under protection categories.

Risks include soil erosion, potential hydrocarbon contamination during construction, and landscape alterations from panel and electrical structure installation. To address these impacts, the company committed to implementing environmental programs including:

• A Flora Relocation and Revegetation Program
• A Wildlife Deterrence, Rescue and Relocation Program
• An Integrated Waste Management Program for proper waste separation and disposal

The project will maintain buffer zones around water bodies and a forest conservation strip within the property. The assessment concluded the project is environmentally viable provided all prevention, mitigation, and compensation measures are implemented.

Beyond environmental considerations, the project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment through local hiring and procurement of goods and services during construction and operation phases.