CFE Inspects Cerro Prieto to Sustain 720 MW of Geothermal Power in Baja California

Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field in Baja California on June 28, 2026, as part of its renewable energy strengthening plan. The plant, with 720 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, is the second largest in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, as reported by La Jornada.

Cerro Prieto has operated without interruption since 1973 (53 years) and currently generates 570 MW. The plant uses water at temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius, extracted from wells up to five kilometers deep, to drive steam turbines, according to CFE. Its operation is critical to the reliability of the National Electric System (SEN): as baseload generation, it produces power 24 hours a day without dependence on weather conditions. Baja California is not connected to the national interconnected system, making Cerro Prieto's local generation indispensable for meeting peninsular demand, particularly during summer peak periods. Geothermal energy is the country's second-largest renewable baseload source after hydropower, and its continuous availability, unlike solar or wind, makes it a key asset for SEN stability.

The inspection was led by Francisco Javier Maldonado Ramos, CFE's Director of Operations, accompanied by staff from the Technical Coordination, the Northwest Regional Production Coordination, and the Geothermoelectric Projects Management, as well as union representatives. The review covered working conditions for technical personnel, the state of steam supply facilities and equipment, the power generation park, the progress of new geothermal projects in the region, and ongoing drilling operations. CFE noted that its geothermal strengthening plan is part of its strategy to maintain energy security and sustainable development of the national electricity sector.

CFE did not disclose investment amounts or timelines for the new geothermal projects. Progress on ongoing drilling works and the details of the strengthening plan will be the key indicators to monitor in the coming months.

This article was drafted with artificial intelligence assistance based on verified sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.