Ramal Empalme Gas Pipeline

This article is part of the Global Fossil Infrastructure Tracker, a project of Global Energy Monitor.

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Ramal Empalme Gas Pipeline, also known as the Empalme Lateral Gas Pipeline, is a natural gas pipeline in Mexico.

Location

The pipeline runs from a junction with the Sásabe-Guaymas Gas Pipeline and the Guaymas-El Oro Pipeline to the Empalme I and Empalme II gas-fired power plants in Empalme, Sonora.

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Project Details

• Operator: Gasoducto Agua Prieta
• Owner: IEnova
• Parent Company: Sempra Energy
• Capacity: 226 million cubic feet per day
• Length: 12.5 miles / 20 km
• Diameter: 16 inches, 20 inches
• Status: Operating
• Start Year: 2017
• Associated infrastructure:
  • Empalme I power station
  • Empalme II power station
  • Sásabe-Guaymas gas pipeline
  • Guaymas-El Oro gas pipeline

Background

In May 2016, IEnova entered into a 21-year natural gas transportation services agreement with the CFE to develop, construct and operate the 12.5-mile Empalme Lateral pipeline. The pipeline, originally estimated to cost $12 million, was scheduled for commissioning in the first half of 2017.

The pipeline was ready to begin commercial operations upon completion of construction in June 2017, but it subsequently experienced commissioning delays. As of February 2019 the US $10.8 million project reportedly remained idle, having been used only for tests. However, as of July 2022, according to the website of Mexico's federal electricity commission CFE, the pipeline had already been operational for more than five years.