en.Wedoany.com Reported - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum inaugurated the González Ortega combined-cycle power plant in Mexicali on June 21, with an investment of 73.9 billion Mexican pesos (approximately $704 million), a net generation capacity of 653 MW (gross capacity of 745.4 MW), and an estimated annual output exceeding 5,000 GWh, aimed at addressing the surge in local electricity demand during extreme summer heat.
Attending the inauguration were Mexico's Secretary of Energy (SENER) Luz Elena González, General Director of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) Emilia Calleja, and Governor of Baja California Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. During the ceremony, the CFE General Director explained that the 653 MW represents the net capacity integrated into the grid system, related to grid planning, while 745.4 MW is the gross installed capacity. The plant began commercial operations in May, with a thermal efficiency of 55.25% and a zero-emission system, benefiting over 3.8 million residents in Baja California.
Sheinbaum noted that the Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado regions are considered among the hottest areas on Earth, with temperatures often exceeding 50°C, leading to a significant increase in electricity consumption. The National Energy Control Center (CENACE) has identified the Northwest grid as a high-risk point for the 2026 summer demand season, and the plant's operation provides critical margin to the grid. Governor Ávila Olmeda reported that Baja California has invested over 73.9 billion Mexican pesos in transmission, distribution, and generation projects, and provided 1.485 billion Mexican pesos in electricity subsidies for Mexicali and San Felipe, benefiting over 1.37 million people.
Sheinbaum reiterated that the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) should achieve 60% of national electricity generation, exceeding the 54% constitutional minimum set by the 2025 energy reform, a goal achievable through a combination of combined-cycle plants and 38 renewable energy projects. The González Ortega plant is the fourth major CFE generation project in five weeks, following the May 12 inauguration of the 499 MW Elvia Carrillo Puerto plant in Mérida, the May 17 commercial operation announcement, and the June 13 inauguration of the 357 MW Manzanillo III plant. Additionally, Sheinbaum announced that CFE will implement a Mexicali power infrastructure modernization plan by replacing 4,000 utility poles, with approximately 500 replacements completed so far, a distribution reliability measure complementing the generation increase.
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