Key Achievements in the First Half of 2025
In the first six months of 2025, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has significantly increased its hydroelectric generation by 24% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth has elevated the proportion of clean energy generated by CFE from 23.4% to 28.6%, reducing Mexico’s reliance on fossil fuels like diesel and oil by 7% and decreasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions accordingly. Furthermore, CFE has cut back on coal-based generation by 5%.
CFE’s Hydroelectric Power Plants: A Vital Energy Source in Mexico
The CFE operates 60 hydroelectric power plants, which play a crucial role in Mexico’s energy sector by providing clean and reliable power. These plants also offer essential services such as water regulation, irrigation, and potable water supply. As of now, CFE’s hydroelectric plants contribute 12,143.36 MW to the nation’s total generation capacity of 102,578.46 MW, accounting for approximately 12%.
Modernization and Rehabilitation Efforts
In 2021, CFE initiated a program to modernize and rehabilitate its hydroelectric plants by incorporating state-of-the-art turbines, generators, and transformers. This investment has increased their generation capacity by 535.6 MW, totaling nearly $1.553 billion. The ongoing modernization ensures continuous updates to the equipment and components.
Strategic Management of Reservoirs
CFE’s strategic management of key reservoirs has resulted in one of the largest recorded hydroelectric energy reserves in the past 25 years. This ensures reliable operation of the National Electric System (SEN) for the summer of 2026.
Ongoing Modernization and Expansion Plan
Under the Sistema Eléctrico Nacional (SEN) Fortification and Expansion Plan 2025 – 2030, CFE will continue modernizing and rehabilitating 23 generating units across hydroelectric central plants, including Infiernillo, El Caracol, La Villita, Zimapán, Portezuelo I and II, Angostura, Malpaso, Peñitas, Mazatepec, Minas, and Encanto. These efforts have already added 89.2 MW to their installed capacity under the supervision of the National Coordination for Hydroelectric Generation (CNGH).
Benefits of Hydroelectric Power Plants
- High Energy Efficiency: Hydroelectric power plants convert water into electricity with efficiencies exceeding 90%.
- Flexibility and Reliability: They can quickly respond to fluctuations in SEN demand, acting as a firm energy reserve.
- Hydrological Security: They contribute to controlling floods during intense rainfall, ensuring ecological flows and water supply.
- Long Lifespan: Designed to operate for at least 50 years, these plants can function for another five decades through repotenciations and modernizations. Some have been operational for over 60 years.
Collaborative Risk Management During Rainy Season
During the rainy season, CFE maintained close coordination with federal and state authorities responsible for water management and civil protection to minimize risks for communities downstream of major dams. This ensured controlled opening of spillways in Zimapán, Santa Rosa, La Yesca, Mazatepec, and Chilapan dams, as well as turbining at the Peñitas Hydroelectric Power Plant.
CFE’s Commitment to Clean Energy
Through strategic investment, responsiveness, and long-term vision, CFE demonstrates that hydroelectric power plants will remain a vital component in ensuring electricity supply, protecting the environment, and contributing to national well-being. CFE is dedicated to modernizing and solidifying this clean energy source.
Key Questions and Answers
- What has CFE achieved in the first half of 2025? CFE increased its hydroelectric generation by 24% compared to the same period in 2024, raising clean energy proportion from 23.4% to 28.6%. They reduced CO₂ emissions by 7% and coal-based generation by 5%.
- How many hydroelectric power plants does CFE operate? CFE manages 60 hydroelectric power plants, contributing approximately 12% of Mexico’s total generation capacity.
- What is the ongoing modernization and expansion plan for CFE’s hydroelectric plants? The SEN Fortification and Expansion Plan 2025 – 2030 aims to modernize and rehabilitate 23 generating units across hydroelectric central plants until 2028.
- What benefits do hydroelectric power plants offer? Hydroelectric power plants provide high energy efficiency, flexibility and reliability, hydrological security, and long lifespans.
