World Power Plants

Punta Prieta Power Plant155.5 MW Oil

OilVerified: Feb 2026

Ranked as the 187th largest power generation facility in Mexico, the Punta Prieta Power Plant stands out with its oil-fired capacity of 155.5 MW. This facility, while not among the largest in the national landscape, plays a pivotal role in the Baja California Sur region, contributing to approximately 0.11% of Mexico's total energy capacity of 141,268 MW. The plant's technology is tailored for oil combustion, an important aspect of the country's energy mix, which is predominantly dominated by natural gas. As the 28th largest oil plant in Mexico, Punta Prieta underscores the significance of oil in specific regions where gas infrastructure may be limited or less developed. Located near the coastal town of Punta Prieta, the plant is part of a diverse energy cluster that includes the Central de Combustión Interna Baja California Sur, which boasts a higher capacity of 209.6 MW and operates on gas. Additionally, the vicinity features Punta Prieta II, a smaller oil plant with a capacity of 112.5 MW, and two solar facilities, Aura III and Aura I, which contribute 32 MW and 27.6 MW respectively. This mix of energy sources highlights the region's gradual transition towards renewable energy while still relying on traditional fuels like oil and gas. In the broader context of Mexico's energy profile, where 419 plants contribute to a significant total capacity, Punta Prieta’s operational output is crucial for maintaining grid stability in the area. Owned by a local entity, Punta Prieta was commissioned in an era when oil was a primary energy source, and it reflects the historical reliance on fossil fuels in this region. Looking forward, as Mexico aims to diversify its energy portfolio and enhance sustainability efforts, the role of Punta Prieta may evolve, potentially integrating more renewable energy sources in conjunction with its existing operations. The facility's future will be influenced by national policies on energy transition, emphasizing the balance between economic needs and environmental impacts.

Capacity
155.5 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
CFE
Location
24.2230°, -110.3093°

Mexico, North America

Context & rankings
  • 187. largest of 419 plants in Mexico
  • #8,273 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #355 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 0.11% of the installed capacity of Mexico
Age & fleet comparison

16 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

CFE operates 104 plants totalling 51,242 MW

Regional density
Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 24.223023, -110.309338
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
309.9 Kt
477 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
4.96 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2040
14 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
67.4K
cars per year
41.3K
homes per year
14.1M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-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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