Spotlight on Miguel A. Hernandez, CEO - MAI Group

About Miguel

I am Miguel A Hernandez, the CEO of MAI Group, a leading consulting and engineering firm based in Madrid. I joined MAI in 2008, bringing my extensive background in energy management and consulting to support the company's growth. Prior to MAI, I held several managerial positions at Union Fenosa, a major Spanish utility company, which provided me with valuable experience in the energy sector. 

I hold a degree in Power Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, a degree in Political Sciences from the Spanish National University, and an Advanced Management Program from IESE Business School. My commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices is evident in MAI's projects. As a recognized thought leader, I also actively promote sustainable energy practices at industry conferences and forums.

What inspired MAI Group to establish an office in Saudi Arabia?

Our journey in Saudi Arabia began long before we officially opened our office; it started back in 2010. Over the past decade, we have supported numerous projects remotely, from evaluating the economic impacts of power interruptions to advising on large-scale PV projects like Sudair and Sakaka and support the creation of the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC). As our involvement deepened, it became clear that to truly deliver the level of expertise and responsiveness our clients in energy, water, and environmental sectors needed, we had to be present on the ground. Establishing a local team allows us to engage more directly, build stronger relationships, and offer solutions that are both globally informed and locally relevant, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth and sustainability goals.

How does this expansion fit into your long-term strategic vision?

Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a pivotal part of our global strategy to be a leading consultancy in management consulting, energy, water, and environmental sectors. The Kingdom's ambitious infrastructure and sustainability initiatives under Vision 2030 resonate with our mission to promote sustainable development locally. By establishing a local presence, we not only bring our international expertise closer to our clients but also gain invaluable insights from one of the world’s most dynamic markets, ensuring that MAI Group remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

What challenges did you encounter in the process of opening an office in KSA, and how did you address them?

Every new market presents unique challenges. I may say that Saudi Arabia has positively change a lot with regard to administrative steps from our experience back in 2010. Nowadays, all processes are much easier than they used to be. Likewise, understanding Saudi Arabia’s on ground regulatory landscape and adapting to local business practices were initial hurdles in opening an office. However, having worked extensively in the Kingdom since 2010 on projects related to energy, water, and environmental consulting, we were well-prepared. 

We engaged local experts, prioritized cultural integration such as aligning with Saudization, and ensured our team was equipped to navigate local regulatory compliance and market dynamics. This proactive approach facilitated a smooth transition and helped us build strong, trust-based relationships with local stakeholders. We are also clear that with all projects in the Agenda 2030 pipeline, resources are to be the most critical bottleneck in short future and we are working on assembling a strong team which can provide top quality services in Saudi Arabia.

Are there specific projects or collaborations in Saudi Arabia that MAI Group is actively working on or planning?

Yes, we are actively involved in several strategic projects across the Kingdom. These include technical advisory roles for large-scale PV projects like Sudair, Sakaka and many ongoing advisory projects, regulatory consultancy for the Saudi Electricity Company, and projects focused on desalination, water management, and environmental impact assessments. We are also exploring new opportunities in smart grid development and hydrogen solutions.

How does MAI Group’s presence in KSA align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s focus on renewable energy and infrastructure development?

Vision 2030 is a transformative roadmap aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting sustainability, and our expertise in management, energy, water, and environmental consulting directly supports these objectives. From integrating renewable energy solutions and optimizing water resources to ensuring environmental compliance and sustainable infrastructure development, our services are designed to help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambitious goals. Our local presence allows us to contribute more effectively to these initiatives, fostering innovation and driving progress in alignment with the Kingdom’s vision.

What are your next steps following this office opening? Are there additional expansion plans in the region?

The opening of our Saudi Arabia office is just the beginning of our regional growth strategy. We are already working on projects in neighboring markets like the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, where demand for expertise in energy, water, and environmental sustainability is rapidly growing. Our focus is on expanding our local team, forming strategic partnerships with regional firms, and enhancing our service offerings to address the unique challenges of the Middle East. Ultimately, we aim to establish a sustainable and impactful presence that drives both business growth and regional development

Is there anything else you would like to share with the MESIA community about MAI Group’s growth in Saudi Arabia?

What excites us most about our growth in Saudi Arabia is the opportunity to be part of a transformative period in the region. We are not just here to expand our business; we are here to build lasting relationships, foster innovation, and support the Kingdom in achieving its Vision 2030 goals. To the MESIA community, we extend an open invitation to collaborate, share insights, and collectively drive sustainable development across the region.

About MAI Group

MAI Group is a global consulting and engineering leader with over 25 years of expertise in energy, water, and environmental sectors. With experience in more than 145 countries with 4,500+ projects, we specialize in renewable energy integration, water resource management, environmental consulting, regulatory advisory, and project finance. Our services include technical due diligence, feasibility studies, utility operations, owners engineering and sustainable infrastructure development.

In 2024, after several years operating in the country, we opened a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aligning with national goals in renewable energy, smart grids, desalination, water infrastructure and environmental management. Our local projects include the Sudair 2000 MW PV Plant and Sakaka 300 MW PV Project, alongside advisory roles for the Saudi Electricity Company and ongoing 6GWs of projects with various configurations in the Kingdom.

With 250+ skilled professionals and ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 45001), we deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that meet global challenges while fostering local impact. Our mission is to create a future where sustainable, affordable resources are accessible to all.