CIP reaches financial close and starts construction on its first project in Mexico
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Energy Global,
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II (GMF II), has reached final investment decision and financial close on La Esperanza solar, a 420 MWdc solar photovoltaic project combined with a 150 MW/750 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the state of Campeche, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The project is CIP's first investment in Mexico to reach financial close and represents a significant milestone in the firm's growing renewable energy portfolio in Latin America.
Once operational, La Esperanza solar will strengthen the reliability, resilience, and flexibility of the electricity system in the Yucatán Peninsula, where rising electricity demand has increased the need for new power generation and storage capacity. The project's BESS, one of the largest in Mexico, will provide up to five hours of storage, enhancing grid stability and enabling the delivery of clean electricity when it is needed most. Construction is underway, with commercial operations anticipated in 2028.
The La Esperanza solar project financing comprises approximately US$510 million in debt facilities provided by a consortium of five international and regional commercial banks: BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Natixis CIB, Santander, and Scotiabank. Equity is funded by the project owners: CI Growth Markets Fund II with an expected co-investment from leading Mexican retirement fund administrator, Profuturo.
Peter Halmø, Head of Latin America and Managing Director at CIP, said: “This is a major milestone for GMF II and our team. We have been active in Mexico for several years, and this will be our first project in the country to start construction – a step that reflects both the strength of the team and project and the close collaboration with contractors, authorities, and partners. Pairing solar with battery storage is central to bringing more renewable energy onto the Mexican grid, and we are proud to help build a more reliable, lower-carbon power system.”
La Esperanza solar has been recognised as a priority project by Mexico's Ministry of Energy (SENER) under the country's binding planning framework and is being developed in close coordination with the federal government and relevant authorities. The project reflects the shared commitment of CIP and the Government of Mexico to strengthen the National Electricity System through long-term investment in strategic energy infrastructure. In addition, the project is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with CFE Calificados, the commercial branch for large clients of Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).
Ole Kjems Sørensen, Partner at CIP, commented: “La Esperanza Solar reflects the long-term strategy of CIP’s Growth Markets funds investing in fast-growing, emerging economies such as Mexico. By building high-quality energy infrastructure in these markets, we can deliver attractive returns for our investors while helping accelerate a cost-efficient shift energy transition.”
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