Topolobampo III is a 766MW combined-cycle power plant (CCPP) developed by Iberdrola, an electric utility company based in Spain.
Located in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, the plant was developed with an investment of $400m.
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Iberdrola was awarded the contract to construct and operate the power plant in March 2017. The plant commenced commercial operations in January 2024.
Designed to meet the increasing energy demands of Mexico, the plant can provide sufficient power to more than 1.6 million homes in the country. It contributes to the country’s energy security and supports its transition to a more sustainable energy future.
It is the second power plant developed by Iberdrola after the Topolobampo II.
Location of Topolobampo III
The Topolobampo III power plant is situated in the Choacahui municipality of Ahome in Sinaloa. It is developed near the Topolobampo natural gas pipeline.
Topolobampo III power plant make-up
The Topolobampo III natural-gas-fired power plant is equipped with two 7HA.01 gas turbines, a D650 steam turbine, and three H53 heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) from GE Vernova. The power plant is the first in Mexico to utilise the 7HA.01 gas turbines.
It is also equipped with GE Vernova advanced Mark VIe Distributed Control System (DCS). The integrated control system enables real-time data to be used for optimising plant operations, ensuring stability and efficiency.
Additionally, the power plant features a custom-designed soundproof genset with an integrated control cabinet to meet the unique requirements of the power plant, which contains special loads that necessitate continuous power to ensure optimal operations.
Essential components such as lubrication pumps and cooling units must always remain functional, enabling the entire system to be safely shut down in the event of a power failure. The genset is designed to facilitate this operation.
The genset’s automation allows for the integration of external automatic transfer switches and other switches to ensure adherence to the start-up and stop sequence.
GE turbine details
GE’s 7HA.01 air-cooled gas turbines can reach full power in less than ten minutes, providing flexibility to meet fluctuating grid demands. The turbines also can burn a blend of hydrogen and natural gas.
GE’s STF-D650 steam turbine features a single-bearing design, which simplifies construction, increases power density and enhances reliability.
The turbine has separate high-pressure (HP), intermediate-pressure (IP), and two-flow low-pressure (LP) sections. It is designed to accommodate plant layout flexibility and can handle main steam inlet pressures up to 2,680psi (185 bar) with temperatures reaching 1,112°F (600°C).
Transmission details
The project included the development of two transmission lines operating at 400kV and 230kV with a total length of 276km and two substations.
Acciona, a developer of renewable energy infrastructure, was contracted by Mexico’s Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) to construct the transmission infrastructure under a $24.5m (€21m) contract.
Power purchase agreement
CFE entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Iberdrola to purchase the entire power produced by the Topolobampo III plant at fixed capacity fees.
Contractors involved
CERREY, a local licensee of GE Vernova’s HRSG technology, supplied two HRSGs for the power plant.
GEIQ, GE Vernova’s advanced engineering centre in Mexico, offered engineering support and will continue to provide aftermarket operations support.
alfran®, a leading company in the refractory and thermal insulation market, provided the insulating materials for pipes and balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment.
Lointekmex, an engineering and manufacturing company, supplied the plant’s auxiliary boiler.
Genesal Energy, a generator sets manufacturer, provided a specially designed soundproof genset for the power plant.
Spina Group, an electrical and mechanical materials and spare parts manufacturer and supplier, supplied various types of electrical cables such as thermocouples, instrumentation cables, and low-voltage cables.
