World Power Plants

Fernando Hiriart Balderrama (Zimapán)292 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Fernando Hiriart Balderrama Power Plant, also known as Zimapán, is a prominent hydroelectric facility located in Mexico, boasting a capacity of 292 MW. Operated by CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad), this power plant utilizes hydro technology to convert the potential energy of water into electricity, playing a vital role in Mexico's energy generation portfolio. Situated at coordinates 20.8468° N and -99.4584° W, the plant is strategically positioned near significant water resources, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. As a hydro facility, it contributes to the renewable energy sector in Mexico, a country increasingly focused on sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint. The commissioning of the plant marked a significant investment in clean energy, aligning with national energy policies aimed at enhancing energy security and diversifying the energy mix. The hydroelectric power generated by the Zimapán plant not only meets local demand but also supports larger regional grids, providing stability and resilience during high consumption periods. With hydroelectricity being one of the cleanest forms of energy, the Fernando Hiriart Balderrama Power Plant exemplifies Mexico's commitment to harnessing natural resources for sustainable energy generation.

Capacity
292 MW
Commissioning Year
1994

32 years old

Owner
CFE
Location
20.8468°, -99.4584°

Mexico, North America

Context & rankings
  • 147. largest of 419 plants in Mexico
  • #6,233 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,141 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.21% of the installed capacity of Mexico
Age & fleet comparison

32 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

CFE operates 104 plants totalling 51,242 MW

Regional density

15 plants within 100 km, 12,563 MW combined

Nearest plant: Zimapán Dam (20.9 km)

Data provenance

Source: CFE-CENACE

Location

Coordinates:: 20.846800, -99.458400
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Fernando Hiriart Balderrama (Zimapán) is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1023 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Mexico
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

MexicoEnergy Profile

419
Total Plants
141.6 GW
Total Capacity
GasHydroOilCoal
Top Fuels

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