Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Hydropower Country Notes

With a gross theoretical hydro capability of 135 TWh/yr and a technically exploitable capability of 49 TWh/yr, Mexico possesses a considerable hydroelectric potential. Its economically exploitable capability is 32.2 TWh/yr.

A major extension of the Manuel Moreño Torres (Chicoasén) hydro plant, involving three new units with a total incremental capacity of 900 MW, was completed in 2004. The commissioning of several smaller HPPs (each with capacities of less than 30 MW) added a further 39 MW, whilst 17 MW of hydro capacity was decommissioned, resulting in a net addition of 922 MW to Mexico’s hydro generating capacity.

The 754 MW El Cajón plant, reported as under construction at end-2005, has subsequently entered operation. More than 2 000 MW was stated to be planned for future development. The plants involved were new hydro stations at La Parota (900 MW) and La Yesca (750 MW) and an extension of La Villita (400 MW).

At end-2005, installed capacity of small-scale hydropower is reported by the Mexican WEC Member Committee to have been 109 MW, with output during the year 479 GWh.