New Plant Bolsters Mexico's Power Supply

President Claudia Sheinbaum inaugurated the Manzanillo III combined-cycle power plant on June 13. Operated by Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) in Colima, the facility adds 357 megawatts to the national grid. With this addition, the Manzanillo complex now reaches 2,860 megawatts of installed capacity and strengthens electricity supply for 800,000 residents across western Mexico.

State Control Target: 65% by 2030

The inauguration unveiled a broader strategic roadmap. Sheinbaum committed to a goal of state control over 65% of national electricity generation by the end of her six-year term, up from 57% at the start of her administration, according to Infobea. This target rests on the National Expansion Plan 2025-2030, which aims to add roughly 28,000 megawatts over the coming years.

The strategy carries weight for Mexico's industrial planning. Many nearshoring investment decisions hinge on reliable and affordable electricity, particularly in manufacturing-heavy states like Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Jalisco.

Expansion Beyond Manzanillo III

Manzanillo III cost nearly $347 million and represents the first phase of the plan. At the same event, Sheinbaum announced construction of five additional combined-cycle plants under CFE ownership and operation. She also published resolutions triggering roughly 30 hybrid electricity projects involving both private partners and the state utility, El Universal reported.

The Energy Secretariat highlighted simultaneous progress in energy transition, with a minimum target of 35% clean energy by 2030. Private power developers contribute a portfolio of approximately 7,000 megawatts.

CFE Director Emilia Calleja highlighted the expansion roadmap to 2030 and planned construction of new transmission lines. The utility also plans to deploy battery storage to integrate variable renewable generation.

Next Steps

The plan's next phase includes launching associated gas pipeline projects and publishing a bidding calendar for hybrid ventures. The Energy Secretariat expects to release these details in the weeks ahead.

Sources