Sheinbaum Announces Natural Gas Pipeline to Supply Hidalgo

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced progress on a 287km natural gas pipeline that will supply the central Mexican states of Hidalgo and Puebla. The project aims to modernize the Tula thermoelectric power plant, transitioning it from fuel oil to a combined-cycle natural gas plant. This initiative is part of Mexico’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

The pipeline, developed with support from local and federal governments, seeks to address environmental concerns associated with the Francisco Pérez Ríos thermoelectric plant in Tula. Currently operating on fuel oil since its commissioning in 1975, the plant has faced criticism for high emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). “This project reflects our commitment to clean energy while addressing community concerns inclusively and responsibly,” says Sheinbaum.

The Tula plant, with a capacity exceeding 1,500MW, has gradually integrated natural gas into its operations over the past decade, following a 2014 directive from CFE to reduce environmental impacts in the Valley of Mexico region. The pipeline will complete this transition, enabling the plant to operate entirely on natural gas. 

CFE will oversee the converted plant’s operations, while PEMEX will continue to supply fuel oil during the transition. The shift is expected to significantly lower emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding areas.

The project has faced delays due to opposition from indigenous communities along the proposed route. President Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of securing community support and local permits, stating that collaboration is key to the project’s success. “We are committed to addressing social concerns and ensuring the process is both inclusive and transparent,” she added.

In parallel, PEMEX is advancing the construction of a coker unit at the Tula refinery, slated for completion in 2025. The coker will reduce fuel oil production, which accounted for 45% of the refinery's output in 2020, and increase the production of gasoline and diesel. This development aligns with PEMEX’s modernization strategy to enhance refinery efficiency and support Mexico’s energy transition.