A $35 million, 45-mile Texas-to-Mexico natural gas pipeline is set to be ready by mid-December. With a capacity of 212 MMBtu/d, the 24-inch diameter pipeline will supply the 700-megawatt Samalayuca I and II power plants, set partially to open in 1998. El Paso Natural Gas Co. and El Paso International Co. are partnered with Pemex Gas Y Petroquimica Basica in the 50-50 joint venture.
El Paso International also has signed a joint development pact with Furnas Centrais Eletricas S.A., BHP of Brazil Energy, Centrais Electricas Brasileiras S.A., and British Gas of Brazil. The group will build a 450-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Macae, Brazil. The thermal plant will include a 21.7 mile transmission line. Construction is expected to begin later this year with full commercial operation set for 2000.