The order to develop the CCGT was placed in early 2015 by Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) in a bid to meet the growing need for electricity in the region.
The Chihuahua region has been identified as a “deficient node” in Mexico’s national electric system, considering local energy demand growth over the next decade. The Norte III combined cycle plant will help fill the supply gap.
Alejandro Maluf, CEO Techint North America said “we chose GE to collaborate with us on the Norte III plant because of its reliable technology and total plant-service solutions.” Techint believes the 907 MW plant will dent he expected growth in the Chihuahua region, as identified in the Mexican government’s 15-year infrastructure development program the PRODESEN 2017-2030.
Eric Gray, Vice President for Americas region, GE Gas Power pointed out the project was performed with the “highest standards of quality and safety” in collaboration with FieldCore, the field services execution team owned by GE. He stressed the commissioned plant will provide “productive and reliable results for our customers, including Techint.”
As part of the 25-year operations agreement, GE will provide a full spectrum of digital solutions to predict and reduce unplanned downtime and improve plant productivity. GE’s software will directly support to the GE O&M team to achieve guaranteed capacity outcome.
In Mexico, GE has its third largest 7F gas turbine installed base in the world as well as the 16,000-square-meter Morelia Service Center, in Michoacán, that provides maintenance, testing and repair solutions for the wider Latin American region.
This month, GE’s 7F gas turbine technology turns 30, with the first 7F having started commercial operation in 1990. The turbine’s installed base of 950+ units (including 96 in Latin America) generate 150 GW in combined power output. The 7F fleet provides customers with 60.4% efficiency at low fuel costs and 97% availability thanks to improved maintenance practices and field removal compressor airfoils. In terms of green fuels, the 7F can be configured to operate hydrogen up to ~60% volume.