The heat is on and so are the power outages. Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has a plan to keep the lights on.
Powering Up
On May 15, the CFE launched the Mexicali Oriente Internal Combustion Plant. This plant will provide power to Baja California, a state that’s often left in the dark due to its distance from the main power grid.
The plant’s got 24 units generating energy, producing 429 megawatts. That’s enough to power 1.4 million homes in Baja California.
Beating the Heat
Summer temps often soar above 40 degrees Celsius, causing power outages as people crank up their air conditioners. The CFE says this new plant will help stabilize the grid and reduce outages.
The plant’s modern infrastructure is part of the National Electric System Strengthening and Expansion Plan 2025-2030. This plan aims to give the CFE a better structure to provide top-notch service.
Going Green
The Mexicali Oriente plant is designed to reduce carbon emissions. It uses natural gas as its main fuel, which will cut down on pollution in Baja California.
The plant’s also got a dual system, allowing it to switch to diesel in case of an emergency. This ensures the power keeps flowing without interruption.
The CFE wants to provide energy with social responsibility. That’s why this plant is designed to be safe, modern, and accessible.
A Master Plan
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has a plan to balance energy supply and demand. The Mexicali Oriente plant is part of this plan, which aims to provide enough energy for the whole country.
Only time will tell if more plants like this will pop up, using natural gas to power other states in Mexico and prevent outages during the hot summer months. Some states are even expecting discounts on their electricity bills as part of the government’s measures to cope with the summer price hike.