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In perfect working order

Techgen is running the Pesquería Power Plant, the energy backbone for Ternium and Tenaris in Mexico. Known for its high efficiency and reliability, the plant keeps operations running smoothly while pushing the boundaries of innovation to shape a more sustainable future for the energy industry.

Located in northern Mexico’s state of Nuevo León, the Pesquería Power Plant (CEP in Spanish) stands as a key player in the country’s energy landscape, powering both the Ternium and Tenaris plants. Operated by Techgen, a company backed by Ternium (48%), Tecpetrol (30%) and Tenaris (22%), the plant blends technological efficiency with sustainability to deliver reliable, affordable energy to the industrial sector.

Carlos Gutiérrez, Commercial Team Leader, explains that, “With an output capacity of 900 MW—enough to power 1.3 million homes—the plant runs on a robust infrastructure of turbines (three gas and one steam). Staffed by a workforce of 92 full-time employees and over 200 contractors working onsite, it also has two 400-kV substations and a 75-kilometer transmission line as well as its own water treatment facilities.” He adds that, “The power plant qualified for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification right at the outset, underscoring our commitment to sustainability.”

The numbers tell a compelling story: Carlos explains that an initial investment of USD 1 billion has translated into over USD 750 million in savings for Ternium and Tenaris since operations began in 2016, compared to the costs of purchasing energy from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE in Spanish). “It’s also earning its own revenue as the plant’s average turnover comes to some USD 375 million a year.”

Combined cycle technology for maximum efficiency

The CEP uses combined cycle technology, a process designed to optimize energy use. “This type of plant operates in two phases,” explains Arturo González, Energy Efficiency Engineering Manager. “First the Brayton cycle powers the gas turbine, then the Rankine cycle repurposes residual heat to generate steam and energy in a steam turbine.”

Added to its greater efficiency, the process also reduces energy waste. “By keeping the cycle closed—condensing and recycling steam back into the boilers,” explains Arturo, “the plant is pushing energy efficiency to 57%, a benchmark in the industry.”

Overcoming challenges and caring for the environment

Arturo also brings up the issue that, “One of the main challenges we have is to ensure electricity availability. If we’re not 100% available for most of the year, our partners could face much higher energy costs.” With pride, he points out that aside from scheduled maintenance periods, the CEP is operating at an impressive availability level of over 99%, 24/7.

Maintaining such high standards takes meticulous planning. The team develops preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance strategies as much as 18 months in advance for major interventions. They draw up prevention action plans to prevent failures from recurring, monitor key performance indicators and manage pending operations, and meet with turbine experts to monitor critical issues in the power units. From scheduling annual borescope inspections of the gas turbines to maintaining the transmission line, every detail is covered to prevent downtime.

CEP’s commitment doesn’t stop at efficiency—it extends to sustainability. The plant runs an Air Quality Prevention and Control program as well as a Flora Rescue program, which has reforested more than 32,000 plants and runs a temporary nursery with over 5,000 seedlings. Other habitat protection efforts include the Fauna Rescue program and bird monitoring and recording activities along the transmission line.

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