MEXICO
With a gross theoretical hydro capability of around
155 TWh/yr and a technically exploitable capability
of 64 TWh/yr, Mexico possesses a considerable hydro-electric
potential. Its economically exploitable capability
– defined in the case of Mexico as covering projects
with approved feasibility studies, plus present installed
capacity, with an assumed availability factor of 35%
- is currently assessed as 38.5 TWh/yr. Using the
same availability assumption, the end-1999 installed
hydro capacity of 9 390 MW would have an electricity
output equivalent to about 75% of the economically
feasible potential.
Mexico’s 1999 hydro-electric output of 32 TWh accounted
for about 19% of total net generation of electricity.
There was no additional hydro capacity reported to
be under construction at end-1999, but just over 2
500 MW is planned for future development. The principal
plants involved are:
-
El Cajon (680 MW), scheduled
for completion in 2007;
-
La Parota (765 MW), planned for
2008;
-
Copainalá (210 MW), also due
in 2008.
A major extension of the Manuel Moreño Torres (Chicoasén)
hydro plant is planned for completion in 2003; this
will add three units, with a total incremental capacity
of 900 MW.
At end-1999, installed capacity of small-scale hydropower
(Comisión Federal de Electricidad only) totalled 296
MW; output during the year was 1 068 GWh. The use of
small hydro plants is being promoted among private investors;
a study carried out by the National Energy Savings Commission
in the states of Veracruz and Puebla identified about
100 sites for mini-hydro installations.
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