CFE’s ‘Project Oasis’ aims to bring solar power to an energy-challenged region of Baja California Sur

The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is spearheading a solar initiative, "Project Oasis," to enhance the electricity supply for the isolated town of Mulegé in the northern Baja California Sur region. This town, known for its natural splendor at the river mouth of the Mulegé River near the Gulf of California, has historically been underserved in terms of energy due to its lack of connection to the national electric system.

Recognizing this energy challenge, CFE has devised a solution that leverages solar power, energy storage, and green hydrogen production to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply.

At the heart of the project lies a 72-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic plant, a 20 MW battery system, and 20 MW electrolyzers to produce hydrogen. Additionally, 6 MW fuel cells are set to convert hydrogen back into electricity, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem. The vision is to harness solar energy during daylight hours, store excess energy in batteries, and utilize stored energy via green hydrogen when sunlight is insufficient or as a backup power source.

CFE envisions this project will serve 40,000 households and provide 120 cubic meters of water, reducing the town's reliance on polluting fossil fuels. By avoiding the annual consumption of 23,000 cubic meters of diesel and fuel oil, the project is expected to prevent over 93,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This would be equivalent to removing 31,463 vehicles from the road. The project also includes advanced water treatment after usage, thus further enhancing community benefits.

This development marks a significant shift in CFE's strategy, moving away from emergency power plants reliant on diesel or heavy fuel oil to a renewable energy-based solution. If successful, Project Oasis would not only become CFE's first green hydrogen power generation project but also one of the company's most ambitious contributions to the energy transition.