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Derek Woodhouse
Senior Partner

Derek Woodhouse

Head of Energy &Climate Change

Languages
  • Spanish
  • English
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Derek Woodhouse has more than three decades of experience advising on complex energy and infrastructure matters and is widely recognized as one of Mexico’s leading legal advisors in the energy sector. 

Early in his career, he played a central role in Mexico’s regulatory transformation during the 1990s, contributing to the design and implementation of the legal framework that opened the natural gas and electricity sectors to private participation. 

Building on this foundation, he joined CMS in London, where he advised governments, financial institutions, and leading companies on the financing and development of large‑scale energy and infrastructure projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. 

After returning to Mexico, Derek led high‑profile practices, co‑founded Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow (now part of CMS), and has advised public and private clients on major regulatory reforms and strategic transactions. Notably, he supported the Ministry of Energy and the National Energy Control Center (CENACE) in the design of Mexico’s Wholesale Electricity Market, the restructuring of CFE, and the drafting of key legislation, including the Geothermal Law. 

Ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Legal 500, Derek combines unparalleled regulatory expertise with extensive international project finance experience. His unique background, spanning public service and global private practice, positions him as a trusted advisor for clients seeking innovative and practical solutions in the energy and infrastructure sectors

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "In my opinion, Derek Woodhouse Saavedra is the best lawyer in the power field in Mexico"
    Chambers & Partners 2026

Relevant experience

  • Mexican Energy Ministry (SENER) on the implementation of the power sector reform of 2013-2015, entailing the creation of a new wholesale electricity market, the restructuring of the Federal Electricity Commission, and the drafting of the new electricity market rules including the Market Bases and the first 17 Manuals.
  • Mexican System and Market Operator (CEANCE)  on the implementation of the first long term auctions for electricity coverage agreements, which attracted an investment of 9 billion US in renewable projects, and the drafting of a Manual for energy storage systems meant to become part of the market rules.
  • EDF Renewable, Zuma Energía, Saavi Energía, Mitsui & Co. Power Americas, Grupo México, Macquarie, Caisse de Depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), CKD Infraestructura México (CKD IM), PepsiCo, Walmart, Suburbia et al on power sector regulations, power purchase agreements, electricity coverage agreements, project financing and project acquisition.
  • Mexican National Fund for Tourism (FONATUR)  on the design and implementation of the Mayan Train project, including the design and award of the contract for the acquisition of rolling stock, railway systems, workshops and garages, and the design and award of the contract for the operation and administration of the Mayan Train.
  • Mexican Wind Power Association, Mexican Solar Power Association, Zuma Energía, FRV, Enel, Grupo Peñoles, CDPQ, CKD IM et al on the analysis and preparation of a legal strategy to combat the amendments to existing regulations for clean energy certificates, issued by CRE in 2019.
  • Mexican Wind Power Association, Mexican Solar Power Association, Zuma Energía, FRV, Enel, Grupo Peñoles, CDPQ, CKD IM et al on the analysis and preparation of a legal strategy to combat the modifications to the existing regulations for wheeling charges for self supply legacy projects issued by CRE in 2020.
  • Walmart, Troy Energía, XiiX Energy, Solar Century, Aleph Capital, Ammper Energía, Thermion, Energía del Pilar, Banverde Solar, CDPQ, CKD IM et al. on the analysis and preparation of a legal strategy to combat the Reliability Policy issued by SENER in 2020, as well as the amendments to the Electricity Industry Law approved by Congress in 2020.
  • FONATUR  on the design and implementation of a national program (FONATUR SOLAR) for developing solar and energy storage projects in land owned by FONATUR throughout Mexico in order to generate and sell electricity products and ancillary services and use the revenue to acquire electricity products and ancillary services required for the operation of the Mayan Train.

Awards & Rankings

  • The Legal 500, Latin America, Mexico, Energy and Natural Resources, Leading Individual, 2017 - 2023.
  • The Legal 500, Latin America, Mexico, Projects and Infrastructure, Recommended Lawyer, 2023.
  • Chambers and Partners, Global, Energy & Natural Resources, 2019 - 2023.
  • Chambers and Partners, Latin America, Mexico, Energy & Natural Resources, 2017 - 2023.
  • IFLR1000, Highly Regarded, Mexico, Banking and Finance, Project Development and Project Finance, 2022.

Education

  • Harvard University, Center for International Development, International Program on Privatization, Regulations and Corporate Governance, Postgraduate Studies, Boston, 1999.
  • George Washington University, International Law Institute, Introduction to the United States Legal System, Postgraduate Studies, Washington D.C.,1997.
  • Escuela Libre de Derecho, Law Degree (J.D.), Mexico City, 1996.

Insights by Derek

Arbitration in Ibero America: a comparative perspective

25 May 2026 2 min read

CMS Expert Guide to consequential loss in the energy sector

18 Dec 2025 4 min read

Reanudación de plazos y trámites por la CNE

09 Jun 2025 1 min read

Nuevo Estatuto Orgánico de CFE

03 Jun 2025 1 min read
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