Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station
One of the largest power plants in Mexico
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1973, Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station is a geothermal power plant located in Mexico with an installed capacity of 720 MW. It is operated by CFE. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Mexico.
Why It Matters
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station taps the Earth's internal heat to produce reliable, low-emission electricity for Mexico, supplying around 451,514 US-equivalent households per year. Geothermal plants run nearly continuously and have one of the smallest land footprints of any electricity source.
Environmental Impact
Geothermal plants like Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station have very low CO2 emissions—often less than 5% of a coal-equivalent—and a tiny land footprint. They occasionally release dissolved hydrogen sulfide and other gases from the geothermal fluid, which are typically captured or controlled.
Fun Facts
- Among the top 5 geothermal power plants in Mexico.
- One of the 10 largest power plants in Mexico.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 451,514 US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 53 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station produce?▾
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 720 MW. At typical capacity factors for geothermal plants (~75%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 451,514 US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station located?▾
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station is located in Mexico at approximately 32.3833°, -115.2167°.
When was Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station built?▾
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station was commissioned in 1973.
Who owns Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station?▾
Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station is owned and operated by CFE.
About Geothermal Power
Geothermal power plants use heat from the Earth's interior to generate steam and produce electricity. They provide reliable baseload power with minimal emissions and a small land footprint.
Other Power Plants in Mexico
| Name | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Dos Bocas Combined Cycle | Gas | 2.8 GW |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.