Electricity Boost Coming to Puerto Aventuras: Substation Expansion Approved

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has greenlit the expansion of the Aventura Palace electrical substation. The goal of this expansion is to cater to the rising demand for electricity in and around Puerto Aventuras, located south of Solidaridad. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) submitted an environmental impact project for federal review in May 2024, and it has now received a favorable environmental impact resolution.

The area is home to approximately 40,000 residents who have frequently experienced power outages. Semarnat announced on Friday that the technical study for the expansion, which is to take place near the Hard Rock hotel, has been approved. Semarnat has given CFE a 12-month timeline to complete the works and granted a 30-year operational permit, as reported in Semarnat's Ecological Gazette.

Puerto Aventuras and its surrounding areas have seen a surge in electricity demand due to significant growth. These areas house major hotel developments in the Riviera Maya. Moreover, the town has been a crucial access point for the construction of the Maya Train section 5 South, where the renowned cable-stayed bridge was erected near the Paamul 2 archaeological site.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) reveals that the state-owned company will invest approximately 245.8 million pesos in the expansion project, which will cover about 0.5 hectares. The aim is to build the necessary infrastructure in the Riviera Maya area to guarantee a long-term electricity supply. During the previous national term, several similar projects were submitted to Semarnat for evaluation, anticipating growth due to federal construction works in the region. The approved project's work plan includes various environmental mitigation measures, as the proposed site is a sensitive area that hosts diverse flora and fauna.