Hector Medina – EMPower Energy

As EMPower Energy‘s general counsel in Mexico, Hector Medina is at the forefront of one of the most volatile legal landscapes in the energy sector. With extensive experience in energy law and a strategic mindset cultivated through years of practice, Medina plays a crucial role in steering EMPower Energy through complex regulatory challenges while spearheading its expansion into new markets.

Hector Medina | EMPower Energy | General Counsel

EMPower Energy is a dynamic company that delivers innovative and sustainable energy solutions across Mexico and beyond. Committed to providing reliable power to industrial and manufacturing sectors, the company is embracing the opportunities presented by the nearshoring trend and addressing energy supply challenges.

At the same time, EMPower is strategically diversifying its operations into the U.S. market, positioning itself as a key player in addressing power generation and grid stability issues.

The biggest legal challenge EMPower Energy faces revolves around regulatory shifts in Mexico’s energy sector, which has changed dramatically in the past years and is going again through a major reform. According to Medina, recent government reforms will significantly impact a relatively new market where most players are just getting over the learning curve. Still, they will also bring new opportunities and collaboration with the government that must be explored.

In addition to the energy reforms, Medina also highlights broader concerns regarding Mexico’s judicial system. The recent introduction of the popular election of judges—including Supreme Court justices—marks a significant departure from traditional appointment-based systems, posing potential threats to judicial independence.

“This move could compel judges to align their decisions with public opinion or political pressures, undermining impartiality and the separation of powers,” he warns.

Beyond domestic concerns, EMPower Energy must also navigate international trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and various bilateral investment treaties. These agreements impose obligations on Mexico to maintain fair market practices and protect foreign investments but shifting national policies sometimes conflict with these commitments. Medina and his team are pivotal in ensuring EMPower remains compliant while safeguarding the company’s rights under international law.

Ambitious growth plans

Despite regulatory challenges typical of an emerging and evolving market, EMPower Energy is pressing forward with ambitious expansion plans. The company is leveraging the nearshoring trend, helping manufacturing companies overcome energy supply obstacles as they relocate operations to Mexico.

“We see positive regulatory changes that will create opportunities for the private sector to participate more actively in the energy transition and collaborate with the government,” Medina says. “Our goal is to provide sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions tailored to the needs of new manufacturing hubs.”

Looking beyond Mexico, EMPower is also strategically moving into the U.S. energy market. The company is currently developing a project in Texas that will help expand its operations into a mature market while addressing critical challenges in the U.S. energy sector.

“The Texas energy market has shown vulnerabilities due to its growing reliance on intermittent renewable energy combined with the energy demand surge,” Medina explains. “The catastrophic grid failures during extreme weather events, such as the 2021 winter storm, have highlighted the need for firm and flexible generation technologies. Our solutions can help address these issues by providing reliable, dispatchable power when needed most.”

Building a team and culture

Medina leads a small but highly efficient legal team at EMPower Energy, consisting of three dedicated lawyers. While recruitment has presented challenges, particularly in finding candidates who align with the company’s values, retention has remained strong.

“We prioritize hiring individuals who fit our culture and share our core values,” Medina says. “Once we find the right person, we invest in their growth and ensure they have clear career paths and incentives to stay motivated.”

The legal department is also leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. Currently, EMPower is working on implementing workflow automation tools and AI-powered contract lifecycle management systems to streamline operations.

“In today’s fast-paced environment, using technology to optimize legal processes is essential,” Medina explains. “We are still testing different tools, but our goal is to create a centralized legal knowledge repository that integrates automation with contract and document management.”

Committed to making an impact

Medina’s journey into law began during his summer internship at a Notary Public’s office while he was in high school. Witnessing firsthand the role of law in ensuring stability and protecting individual rights, he developed a passion for legal practice. Over the years, he has built a career spanning diverse sectors, from real estate and mining to infrastructure and energy, including almost ten years as a senior associate at Baker McKenzie.

One of the most significant challenges of his career has been adapting to the rapid pace of change in the legal and business world. Shifting from private practice at a global law firm to an in-house role required a fundamental shift in mindset.

“As in-house counsel, you’re responsible for a company’s entire legal strategy and course. The challenge is ensuring legal compliance while also enabling business growth,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Medina finds his role deeply fulfilling.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is acting as a strategic partner to the business. I don’t just provide legal advice—I help shape deals, guide major investments, and navigate complex legal landscapes.”

Beyond his professional life, Medina values time with his family, including his wife and young daughter, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. He also enjoys learning about different cultures and spending time outdoors.

“We may not be able to change the entire world by ourselves,” he reflects, “but we can positively impact our close circles—and, circle by circle, make a significant difference.”

As EMPower Energy continues to grow and navigate the evolving energy landscape, Medina’s legal acumen and strategic vision will remain central to the company’s success.