CFE CEO spotlights state utility’s solar agenda
Mexico’s state-owned power company CFE wants to up its solar game. CEO Manuel Bartlett updated reporters on the firm’s latest photovoltaic (PV) solar projects, in a press conference Monday, July 31. The CEO confirmed that the 7.5MW PV Nachi Cocom solar PV project would power a key linkage with Mexico’s 1,544km Train Maya project, which is set to start operations in December. Specifically, the plant will provide power to the IE-Tram planned in the city of Mérida to bring tourists to the Train Maya station located on its outskirts.
The CEO added Nachi Cocom is a pillar in CFE’s broader efforts to add generation capacity to the Yucatán Peninsula in addition to two gas-powered combined cycle plants being built in Mérida and Valladolid (with a joint generation capacity of 1.519GW). Bartlett said the three plants entail an investment of US$1.216 billion.
To feed the CC plants and other industry, CFE has launched a multi-pronged attack to up natural gas supply to the peninsula, pacting with Engie México late last year to expand and improve the Mayakán pipeline that feeds the Yucatán. Engie said in May that the work on Mayakán should be completed in 2026. The fuel is needed for more than power generation, with industrial production in the peninsula estimated to be at 40% of its potential due to the lack of natural gas availability.
Last week, subsidiary CFEnergía unveiled a new tender for distribution with the Mayakán, which runs 700 km from Cactus processing plant in Chiapas state with Valladolid in Yucatán state. The works will deliver gas from the main pipeline to CFE power plants on the peninsula.
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