Overview
Francisco Pérez Ríos (Tula) is a 1,605.6 MW oil-fired power plant in Mexico, operated by CFE. It is a major conventional thermal facility serving the national grid.
Francisco Pérez Ríos (Tula) is a large oil-fired power plant located in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico, with a capacity of 1,605.6 MW. Operated by the state-owned Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), it is one of the country's significant conventional thermal power stations, contributing to Mexico's electricity generation mix. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for older thermal plants in Mexico. Oil-fired plants of this scale typically operate with subcritical or supercritical steam turbines. Mexico's power sector is regulated by the Comisión Reguladora de Energía (CRE) and the Secretaría de Energía (SENER), with environmental oversight from the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT). Emissions from oil combustion are subject to national standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Given its size and fuel type, the plant has a notable environmental footprint, including CO2 emissions and local air quality impacts. It plays a key role in grid stability and meeting base-load demand in central Mexico. The facility's location near the Tula industrial zone underscores its importance for regional energy supply.
Environmental context
The plant's oil combustion produces significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local air quality concerns in the Tula region. Its proximity to populated areas and industrial zones heightens potential health and environmental impacts. Regulatory compliance with SEMARNAT emission standards is critical for mitigating these effects.
Frequently asked questions
Francisco Pérez Ríos (Tula) is located in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico, at coordinates 20.0545° N, -99.2764° W.
The plant has a capacity of 1,605.6 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale power generation facility.
The plant is operated by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Mexico's state-owned electric utility.
Oil-fired power plants in Mexico must comply with emission standards set by SEMARNAT, including limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. The General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) governs environmental impact assessments and permits.
As a large oil-fired plant, it provides base-load power and grid stability, particularly for the central region of Mexico, supporting industrial and residential demand.