Interview with Erik Larsen: Daqo's Long-Term Vision for Electrical Infrastructure in the Americas

Interview conducted by Energy & Commerce during Expo Eléctrica 2026. Originally published in English and Spanish.

As Mexico strengthens its position as an industrial and regional hub, demand for fast, reliable and integrated electrical infrastructure is growing across renewable energy, data centers and large-scale industrial projects. In this interview, Erik Larsen, Head of Sales for North America at Daqo Electric Americas, discusses Daqo's long-term vision for Mexico and the wider Americas—from competitive delivery times and end-to-end project support to containerized substations, modular power solutions, transformers, ring main units and the development of stronger local capabilities.

Daqo: Innovation, Agility, and Long-Term Vision for Electrical Infrastructure

The modernization of electrical infrastructure, the growth of renewable energy, the expansion of data centers, and the rise of artificial intelligence are creating increasingly complex power demand.

In this context, Expo Electrica provided an ideal setting to discuss the strategic role of global manufacturers. During the event, we had an in-depth conversation with Erik Larsen, Head of Sales for North America at Daqo Electric Americas, who shared the company's perspective and technology solutions for the regional market.

Mexico as a Strategic Hub for the Americas

The reconfiguration of global supply chains and rapid industrial growth have placed Mexico in the global spotlight. For Daqo, the Mexican market is not just a commercial destination, but also an important regional platform. Industrial projects, solar and wind farm development, and the rapid expansion of data centers are creating significant opportunities for advanced electrical technologies.

"At Daqo, we see Mexico as a hub for the Americas and, potentially, for the world," states Erik Larsen. This strategic vision has led the company to establish local teams and support offices in Mexico, positioning the country as an important base for regional expansion. From Mexico, Daqo aims to coordinate regional efforts across Latin America, with particular attention to high-impact projects in countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, while also addressing the massive growth opportunities in the United States. For Daqo, Mexico is a key gateway for expanding its presence across the region.

Evolving Demand: Speed and Comprehensive Support

Today, executives and engineering managers do not merely evaluate technical specifications and costs; time has become a critical factor. With the growth of electric vehicles, digitalization, data centers, and industrial parks, customers increasingly require agility and certainty across the entire value chain. Larsen identifies a paradigm shift in market priorities:"Today, the priority for companies is not just the product or the price; they are asking how fast they can get it. In the development of data centers and infrastructure, days matter."

In response to this urgency, Daqo's competitive advantage lies in its ability to accelerate processes by working directly from the manufacturing of core components. Furthermore, the company is not limited to point of sale of equipment; it provides comprehensive support throughout the entire project lifecycle, including design, engineering, and post-installation support through local teams.

The Four Pillars Defining the Company's Strengths

In a highly competitive market, standing out requires a solid foundation of experience and operational capacity. With commercial operations dating back to 1965, a presence in more than 80 countries, and a workforce exceeding 17,000 employees, Daqo has built its global position around four core pillars.

The first is reliable, high-quality products designed for long-term operation. The second is competitive lead times for selected products and configurations, an increasingly important factor for developers and contractors. The third is responsive service, recognizing that end-users depend on uninterrupted power. Finally, the fourth pillar is end-to-end support.

"We are not looking to just do one project; we are here with a long-term vision," emphasizes Larsen.

Infrastructure Innovation: Efficient and Safe Solutions

Daqo's technical strength lies in its ability to design and manufacture integrated solutions, including key components such as circuit breakers. This helps support operator safety and equipment protection during power switching and interruption operations.

Among its most notable solutions for wind and solar energy projects are containerized substations. By integrating key electrical equipment into a single factory-preassembled space, these solutions reduce the need for separate installations and help shorten installation and commissioning timelines.

For the mission-critical data center sector, the company has launched the KMpower 2.0, a large-scale modular indoor power solution. The system is designed to protect critical loads through multiple layers of safety and align with applicable industry standards and project requirements. It can house dry-type transformers and offers low- and medium-voltage switchgear options in gas-insulated, air-insulated, or solid-state configurations.

Complementing these innovations are Daqo's traditional transformers, one of the company's long-standing specialties. Larsen highlighted oil-filled pad-mounted transformer solutions, which are suitable for outdoor use in large manufacturing facilities and renewable energy sites, as well as the Ring Main Units, which are essential for secondary distribution and grid protection.

Localization and Regional Growth: A Long-Term Vision

Daqo's commitment to the regional market is firm and points toward direct industrial integration. Regarding potential local manufacturing or assembly in Mexico, Larsen noted that the company is exploring ways to cooperate with local partners as part of its broader localization strategy.

Looking ahead, Daqo will continue to evaluate opportunities to deepen local capabilities, enhance alignment with North American standards and requirements, and strengthen support for customers across the region.

Daqo demonstrates that understanding today's industrial market means going beyond physical equipment. It is about delivering integrated, agile solutions backed by decades of innovation and specialized support, reinforcing Mexico's role as an important platform for the region's energy and industrial development.

Original article: https://en.daqo.com/Ftp/2.pdf