Introduction to the Project and its Significance
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has officially launched the Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCC) El Sauz II, named after Josefa Ortiz Téllez Girón, in Pedro Escobedo, Querétaro. This new infrastructure will contribute 269 megawatts (MW) to the National Electric System (SEN), benefiting over 4 million people in the Bajío region, which is experiencing growing energy demand.
The Broader Context of Energy Projects
This project is part of a larger package of initiatives, including the CCC Salamanca I in Guanajuato and Villa de Reyes in San Luis Potosí, which together add 1,677 MW to the SEN this year. These developments aim to preserve energy sovereignty and ensure reliable power supply during emergencies, as demonstrated during last year’s heavy rains.
Government Energy Policies and Investments
The federal government, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has implemented reforms to maintain 54% of electricity generation under CFE’s control while allowing private companies to manage the remaining 46%. This strategy aims to secure sufficient, affordable, and clean energy access through substantial investments.
Energy Secretary Luz Elena González Escobar highlighted that the federal government aims to incorporate 29,000 MW additional capacity into the SEN over the current administration, supported by $45 billion in investments.
Addressing Energy Demand and Capacity Gaps
Querétaro’s maximum energy demand in 2025 was 1,535 MW, while the installed capacity stood at 723 MW. The new CCC El Sauz II and other regional projects will help close this gap, according to CFE General Director Emilia Esther Calleja Alor.
Supervising Railway Projects
During the same visit, President Claudia Sheinbaum also inspected the construction of the Mexico-Querétaro train, which is 8% complete. Gustavo Vallejo Suárez, commander of the “Felipe Ángeles” Engineers Group, explained that the project is divided into 12 segments for simultaneous development.
Progress on Passenger Trains
Sheinbaum also reported on the Lechería-Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) passenger train, expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. The first test trip from Lechería to AIFA has been completed, with further testing and a target completion date for the upcoming months.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the CCC El Sauz II? The new power plant will contribute 269 MW to the National Electric System, addressing growing energy demand in Querétaro and benefiting over 4 million people.
- What are the broader energy projects in Mexico? Alongside CCC El Sauz II, there are other initiatives like CCC Salamanca I and Villa de Reyes, adding a total of 1,677 MW to the SEN this year.
- What are the federal government’s energy policies? The López Obrador administration aims to maintain 54% of electricity generation under CFE’s control while allowing private companies to manage the remaining 46%.
- How will these projects impact energy supply and demand? Projects like CCC El Sauz II and others in Querétaro will help close the gap between maximum energy demand (1,535 MW) and installed capacity (723 MW).
- What railway projects is President Sheinbaum overseeing? She is inspecting the construction of the Mexico-Querétaro train and the Lechería-AIFA passenger train, with the latter expected to be operational by early 2026.
