The Ministry of Energy (SENER) is working on the development of the National Renewable Hydrogen Plan (H2R), a historic step for Mexico on its path toward energy transition. With technical and financial support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the plan seeks to position Mexico as a leader in the production and use of renewable hydrogen.
Recently, SENER convened a workshop to develop the H2R, bringing together experts and key players in the sector.
Members of the Mexican Hydrogen and Energy Transition Association (AMHTE), the National Energy Commission, the Safety, Energy, and Environment Agency (ASEA), Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) were among the participants.
During the workshop, the opportunities and challenges for the development of clean hydrogen in Mexico were discussed.
Projects that Lead the Way
Simultaneously, another milestone in the development of the clean hydrogen industry in Mexico took place: the first Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a green hydrogen project in Mexico was approved.
This is Dhamma Energy’s Tango Solar project, which involves an initial investment of US$1.3 billion and will generate direct and indirect jobs, as well as boost sustainable local value chains.
The project is located in the vicinity of the Topolobampo Wellness Development Pole in Sinaloa and involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of a solar-powered green hydrogen plant with the capacity to produce up to 41,485 tons of green hydrogen per year, thanks to the electricity generated by a 921-megawatt solar park.
The Tango Solar project will have a positive impact on the local and national economies, and is also shaping up to be the nucleus of a strategic hub for the use and export of green hydrogen in the region, contributing to Mexico’s energy security and justice.
According to the study, entitled “Green Hydrogen, Energy Vector for Decarbonizing Mexico’s Economy,” prepared by PWC for AMHTE, the potential market for clean hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia and methanol, in Mexico amounts to US$60 billion, and investments totaling US$22.35 billion are currently underway, distributed across 28 projects in different stages of planning and development.
Hydrogen Studies
Recently, a pair of studies focused on hydrogen were published by international organizations: the “Global Hydrogen Compass 2025,” prepared by the Hydrogen Council and the consulting firm McKinsey, and the “Global Hydrogen Review 2025,” prepared by the International Energy Agency.
In particular, the Global Hydrogen Compass points out that the clean hydrogen sector has attracted global investments of $billion in over 500 projects that have already received final investment decisions and are already under construction or in operation.
PEMEX Strategic Plan
PEMEX has included the production of geological hydrogen or “white hydrogen” in its 2025-2035 Strategic Plan. The goal is to replace the gray hydrogen currently used in refining processes with a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the energy efficiency of refining processes.
CFE, Green Hydrogen, and Natural Gas
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is exploring the possibility of mixing green hydrogen with natural gas for electricity generation in some of its Combined Cycle Power Plants, acquiring new turbines and adapting others already in operation, which could help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
These plans were included by the Ministry of Energy and CFE in their most recent editions of the National Electricity Sector Development Program (Prodesen) and the Electricity Sector Outlook.
With all the above, Mexico has a unique opportunity to become a global leader in green hydrogen production if the vision of the government and development companies is aligned.
The production and use of clean hydrogen can generate jobs, investment, and technology, with a direct positive impact on Mexico’s energy security and climate commitments.
