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Adolfo López Mateos thermal power station2,100 MW Coal

Coal

The Adolfo López Mateos thermal power station is a prominent coal-fired power generation facility located in Mexico, specifically at coordinates 21.0151° N and -97.3334° W. With a robust capacity of 2100 MW, this power plant plays a significant role in the country’s energy generation landscape. Operated by Comisión Federal de Electricidad, the plant has been an essential contributor to Mexico's energy production, particularly in meeting the needs of a growing economy. The use of coal as a fuel source underscores the facility's importance in providing a reliable and consistent power supply, although it also highlights the challenges associated with carbon emissions and sustainability. As one of the key coal power stations in the region, Adolfo López Mateos supports the local and national grids, ensuring that electricity reaches both urban centres and rural areas alike. The energy policy context in Mexico is evolving, with increasing emphasis on diversifying energy sources and incorporating renewable technologies. Nevertheless, the Adolfo López Mateos plant remains crucial in balancing the energy mix as the country transitions towards more sustainable practices. Its substantial output not only stabilises the grid during peak demand but also reflects the ongoing reliance on coal in the short to medium term. As Mexico navigates its energy future, the Adolfo López Mateos thermal power station exemplifies the current era of energy generation while also serving as a reminder of the need for cleaner alternatives.

Capacity
2,100 MW

2.10 GW

Commissioning Year
1990

36 years old

Owner
Comisión Federal de Electricidad
Location
21.0151°, -97.3334°

Mexico, North America

Location

Coordinates:: 21.015119, -97.333433
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Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
8.30 Mt
10118 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
298.68 Mt
Over 36 years of operation
Closing Soon
2030
4 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.8M
cars per year
1.1M
homes per year
377.1M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Mexico
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Station Database

MexicoEnergy Profile

419
Total Stations
141.6 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroOilCoal
Top Fuels

Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source: An Overview

Coal has been a cornerstone of electricity generation for over a century, accounting for a significant share of global energy production. As of now, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants worldwide, distributed across 74 countries, with a total installed capacity of around 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading countries in coal power generation include China, which operates 1,018 plants with a capacity of 1,038.0 GW, followed by India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants at 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, which have 130 and 61 plants, respectively, with capacities of 76.8 GW and 63.9 GW.

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