Overview
Leonardo Rodríguez Alcaine (El Cajón) is a 750 MW hydroelectric power plant in Nayarit, Mexico, operated by CFE. It is a key renewable energy facility in the country's power grid.
Leonardo Rodríguez Alcaine, also known as El Cajón, is a hydroelectric power plant located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. With a capacity of 750 MW, it is a large-scale facility that contributes significantly to Mexico's renewable energy generation. The plant is owned and operated by the state-owned utility Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE). Hydroelectric power plants like El Cajón convert the energy of flowing water into electricity, typically using dams and turbines. In Mexico, hydroelectricity is a major component of the renewable energy mix, supported by federal policies and the Energy Transition Law. The plant's technology and scale align with typical large hydroelectric projects in the region. The plant plays a crucial role in supplying clean energy to the national grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Its operation supports Mexico's goals for sustainable energy development and climate change mitigation. The facility also provides grid stability and contributes to regional economic development.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Leonardo Rodríguez Alcaine has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but its environmental impact includes alterations to river ecosystems and water flow. The plant is located in a region with diverse biodiversity, and its operations are subject to environmental regulations to minimize ecological disruption. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing direct human exposure to operational risks.
Frequently asked questions
The Leonardo Rodríguez Alcaine (El Cajón) hydroelectric plant is located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, near the coordinates 21.4279° N, 104.4507° W.
The El Cajón hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 750 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale renewable energy facility in Mexico.
The plant is owned and operated by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), the state-owned electric utility of Mexico.
Hydroelectric plants in Mexico must comply with the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA) and the Energy Transition Law, which mandate environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures for water and ecosystem impacts.
Hydroelectric power is a key renewable energy source in Mexico, providing clean, low-carbon electricity. It supports the country's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix.