Senior Partner

Derek Woodhouse

Head of Energy &Climate Change

Languages

Spanish
English

With over three decades of experience, Derek Woodhouse is recognized as a leading advisor in Mexico’s energy sector, he has experience advising on complex energy and infrastructure matters. Early in his career, he played a central role in Mexico’s regulatory transformation of the 1990s, helping design and implement the legal framework that opened the natural gas and electricity sectors to private participation. Building on this foundation, Derek joined CMS in London, where he advised governments, banks, and leading companies on the financing and development of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Since returning to Mexico, he has led high-profile practices, co-founded Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow (now part of CMS), and counseled both public and private clients on major reforms and transactions. Notably, he supported the Energy Ministry and the System Operator in the design of Mexico’s Wholesale Electricity Market, the restructuring of CFE, and the drafting of key legislation such as the Geothermal Law.

Derek combines unparalleled regulatory expertise with extensive international project finance experience. His unique background—spanning both public service and global private practice—makes him a trusted partner for clients looking

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.

sectors

Energy & Climate Change

Insights

Global Reach