Energy Demand Exceeds Capacity in Yucatan Peninsula
In the Yucatan Peninsula, energy demand currently exceeds established generation capacity by approximately 14%. The situation is projected to worsen, with an annual increase of 3.8% between 2024 and 2029, maintaining this growth until 2038, according to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by Mejicali Turbine Energy for a $92 million investment in temporary energy generation.
Proposed Private Investment Details
The proposal involves installing mobile combustion units fueled by diesel in four substations of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) across northern Quintana Roo. These substations are located in Cancún, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen to bolster electricity generation during peak consumption periods. Each installation will require a $23 million investment.
Project Breakdown
- Generación Adicional SE Cancún: Placement of 81 mobile combustion units using diesel fuel, along with 22 power transformers (13.8kV output) interconnected with the Cancún substation on Rodrigo Gómez Avenue, Supermanzana 54.
- Generación Adicional SE Nizuc: Installation of 94 mobile combustion units and 25 power transformers on Tulum-Cancún highway 250, Campestre Lol-be in Alfredo V. Bonfil.
- Generación Adicional SE Xcalacoco: Installation of 64 combustion units and 25 transformers, located 20.23 km southwest of the Cancún-Chetumal highway 307 in Playa del Carmen.
- Generación Adicional Chankanaab: Installation of 47 combustion units and 10 transformers in Cozumel, at coordinates 20°28’30.75″ N latitude and 86°57’24.11″ W longitude.
Project Duration and Environmental Impact
The total project duration is 10 months, with site preparation and equipment installation taking one month each. The operation and maintenance phase lasts six months, after which all installations and equipment are removed. A two-month dismantling and rehabilitation program follows to restore the site to its original state.
All four installations will be situated within CFE properties, which already have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate and fuel the project, as well as transform and transmit the generated energy. This ensures no new surface occupation impacts are caused outside CFE’s property limits.
CFE Substation Hosting
The four installations will be hosted within CFE properties equipped to accommodate and fuel the project, transform, and transmit the generated energy. Consequently, no additional infrastructure or construction outside CFE’s limits is required, preventing any associated environmental impacts from new surface occupations.
The project has been submitted to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) for environmental authorization.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current energy situation in Quintana Roo? Energy demand currently exceeds established generation capacity by 14% in the Yucatan Peninsula, with an annual increase projected at 3.8% between 2024 and 2029, maintaining this growth until 2038.
- What is the proposed solution to address the energy deficit? A $92 million private investment proposal involves installing mobile diesel-fueled combustion units in four CFE substations across northern Quintana Roo to bolster electricity generation during peak consumption periods.
- How will the project be implemented? The project will be executed within CFE properties, utilizing existing infrastructure for fueling, transforming, and transmitting the generated energy. No new surface occupations or associated environmental impacts are expected outside CFE’s limits.
- What is the project duration and environmental impact considerations? The total project duration is 10 months, with a two-month dismantling and rehabilitation program following the operation and maintenance phase. The project has been submitted to Semarnat for environmental authorization, ensuring minimal ecological footprint.
