Salamanca Combined Cycle Plant Nears Completion in Guanajuato

The Salamanca Combined Cycle Plant (CCC) in Guanajuato, developed by CFE, has reached 99.7% completion and is nearing operational readiness, according to CEO Emilia Esther Calleja. Once operational, the plant will have an installed capacity of 927.10MW, providing electricity to approximately 1.9 million residents, equivalent to 541,426 households. The facility, equipped with advanced technology, is designed for high efficiency and reduced environmental impact.  

Calleja visited the site as part of the National Electricity Sector Strategy, which aims to strengthen CFE and Mexico's National Electric System. Salamanca CCC will replace the Thermoelectric Plant in Salamanca, currently being decommissioned, aligning with Mexico’s efforts to modernize its generation capacity and transition toward cleaner energy under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.  

During her visit, Calleja Alor emphasized CFE's leadership in national electricity generation, highlighting that the company has increased its share to 57% of the energy consumed in Mexico, surpassing its previous target by 3% within the first three months of the current administration. This progress has been supported by enhanced maintenance programs, operational reviews, and performance diagnostics, leading to capacity recovery in plants that had previously shown declines.  

CFE has also advanced rural electrification efforts, providing energy access to approximately 128,000 residents in remote communities as part of its commitment to energy justice. Calleja Alor noted a rise in clean energy generation, increasing from 22% to over 25% in the same period.  

The Salamanca CCC is currently undergoing operational and performance testing under the supervision of Mexico’s National Energy Control Center (CENACE) to secure its Commercial Operation Certificate.