Overview
Valle de México (CC) is a 549.3 MW gas-fired power plant in Mexico, operated by CFE. It plays a key role in the country's power generation mix.
Valle de México (CC) is a combined-cycle gas power plant located in Mexico, owned and operated by the state-owned utility CFE. With a capacity of 549.3 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility within Mexico's gas-fired generation fleet. The plant is operational and contributes to the grid serving the Valle de México region. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, which is a relatively cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal or oil. Combined-cycle technology, which captures waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity, improves overall efficiency and reduces emissions per MWh. This aligns with Mexico's regulatory framework under the Energy Transition Law and the General Law on Climate Change, which promote cleaner energy sources. As part of CFE's generation portfolio, Valle de México (CC) supports grid stability and meets growing electricity demand in central Mexico. Its location near a major metropolitan area underscores its importance for local power supply. The plant's gas-fired, combined-cycle design positions it favorably in terms of environmental performance compared to older, less efficient plants.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired combined-cycle technology results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per unit of electricity compared to coal or oil plants. However, its location near the densely populated Valle de México region means that emissions can impact local air quality. The plant operates under Mexico's emissions standards, which align with international best practices. Its moderate capacity and modern technology help mitigate its environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Valle de México (CC) is located in Mexico, near the Valle de México region, with coordinates 19.6183° N, -98.9764° W.
Valle de México (CC) has a capacity of 549.3 MW, making it a medium-to-large scale gas-fired power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad), the state-owned electric utility in Mexico.
Gas power plants in Mexico must comply with the Energy Transition Law and the General Law on Climate Change, which set emissions limits and promote cleaner technologies. The plants also follow standards from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).
Combined-cycle gas plants are more efficient and emit less CO2, SOx, and NOx per MWh compared to coal or oil plants. They use natural gas, which burns cleaner, and the combined-cycle process captures waste heat for additional power generation, reducing overall emissions.