Three Major Cogeneration Projects

Pemex Director General Víctor Rodríguez Padilla outlined the investment program during his appearance before Mexico's Chamber of Deputies as part of President Claudia Sheinbaum's first government report. The three planned facilities represent a significant expansion of Pemex's role in Mexico's energy infrastructure:​

• Tula Refinery (Hidalgo): 17.357 billion pesos investment for 794 MW capacity, scheduled for completion in April 2030​
• Salina Cruz Refinery (Oaxaca): 16.475 billion pesos investment for 728 MW capacity, targeted for April 2029 operation​
• La Cangrejera Petrochemical Complex (Veracruz): 17.439 billion pesos investment for 900 MW capacity, expected online in April 2029​

PEMEX Cogeneration Projects |  Cámara de Diputados: EN VIVO / Comparecencia del Director General de Pemex, Dr. Víctor Rodríguez Padilla (Oct 24, 2025). Youtube

The projects will utilize efficient cogeneration technology, which simultaneously produces heat and electricity by leveraging thermal processes already occurring at refineries and petrochemical plants. This approach optimizes energy efficiency in Pemex's downstream operations while generating surplus electricity for sale to Mexico's wholesale electricity market (Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista).​

"We have around 2,400 MW that we're going to develop with CFE, our sister company," Rodríguez Padilla stated. "These cogeneration projects will allow us to be much more efficient".​

Strategic Diversification Initiative

The cogeneration program represents a cornerstone of Pemex's broader transformation from an oil company to a diversified energy enterprise. According to Mexico's Energy Secretariat Plan de Desarrollo del Sector Eléctrico (Pladese), Pemex's share of national electricity generation is projected to increase from 0.6% in 2026 to 4.6% by 2030. This expansion will help the Mexican state achieve 59% participation in national electricity generation by 2030, exceeding the 54% minimum established by the 2024 constitutional reform on strategic industries.​

Beyond electricity generation, Pemex's 2025-2035 Strategic Plan envisions diversification into geothermal energy, lithium recovery from oil brines, hydrogen production, and biofuels. "Pemex is no longer just an oil company—it was in the past. Now we are heading toward becoming an energy company, and that is Pemex's future," Rodríguez Padilla declared.​

Integration with National Energy Strategy

The Pemex cogeneration projects form part of President Sheinbaum's broader Plan for Strengthening and Expansion of the National Electric System 2025-2030, which encompasses 51 electricity projects requiring US$22.377 billion in total investment to add 22,674 MW of generating capacity. CFE's portion includes US$15.581 billion for 25 generation projects adding 21,846 MW, with private sector participation contributing an additional 6,400 MW primarily from renewable sources.​

The initiative reflects Mexico's strategy to strengthen state control over critical energy infrastructure while pursuing operational efficiency improvements and gradual energy transition objectives.

Note: This article was prepared using information from El Economista’s report on Pemex’s 51 billion peso electricity investment program, Mexico Business News coverage of CFE’s planned participation in Pemex cogeneration projects and the federal electricity expansion plan, as well as official congressional and media reports on Pemex Director General Víctor Rodríguez Padilla’s appearance before the Energy Commission of the Chamber of Deputies on October 24, 2025, as part of the review of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first government report.