Waha-to-Mexico Pipeline Expansion to Boost Gas Capacity by Nearly 50%
Expansion of the Wahalajara pipeline system could boost Waha-to-Mexico natural gas transport capacity to nearly 2 billion cubic feet per day as new compression is added to the cross-border corridor.
(P&GJ) — ESENTIA Energy Systems and Siemens Energy are advancing an expansion of Mexico’s Wahalajara natural gas pipeline network that could increase transportation capacity across the system by nearly 50%.
The companies said the project represents Phase II of a broader 2026–2028 expansion plan aimed at strengthening Mexico’s natural gas transportation infrastructure and supporting growing demand from industrial and power generation sectors.
“The early acquisition of these turbo-compressors represents a strategic step to ensure a reliable and flexible natural gas supply, fully aligned with Mexico’s energy security objectives, and reflects our strong focus on forward-looking strategic planning. We will continue to advance with discipline and cutting-edge technology to support the country’s industrial growth,” Daniel Bustos, CEO of ESENTIA, said.
The work will focus on adding compression to the Wahalajara system, the largest privately operated interconnected natural gas pipeline network in Mexico. The corridor spans more than 2,000 kilometers from Texas to central-western Mexico and currently supplies about 16% of the country’s natural gas demand.
As part of the project, Siemens Energy will supply two 15-MW turbo-compression units that will be installed at the San Juan Compression Station in Chihuahua and the Aguascalientes Compression Station. Construction at the sites is already underway.
Once all phases of the expansion are completed, the upgrades are expected to increase transportation capacity on the system from about 1.3 billion cubic feet per day to nearly 2 billion cubic feet per day.
Mexico’s natural gas demand has been rising as industries including manufacturing, mining and data centers require consistent power supplies, with natural gas serving as a primary fuel for electricity generation.
The turbines and compressors are scheduled to arrive in 2027, aligning with the Phase II development timeline.
Javier Pastorino, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Latam-North, added:
“This expansion is a key milestone in our exclusive collaboration with ESENTIA to reinforce Mexico’s natural gas backbone. By incorporating our technology into the natural gas transportation system, we are helping build a more resilient and efficient network that meets the country’s industrial needs”.
The companies said the expansion could support additional compression upgrades in future phases as natural gas consumption continues to rise across key regions of Mexico.