BNamericas reported that Mexican steelmaker Altos Hornos de México is in the process of seeking authorization for the construction of a 400MW coal fired plant in Mexico's Coahuila state.

Mr Francisco Orduña Mangiola a spokesman of Ahmsa told BNamericas that the plant will use fluidized bed technology and will be used to provide energy to the company's steel operations.

The spokesperson said that once all permits are in hand, construction of the plant should take roughly two years, adding that Ahmsa wants to be able to replace as much petroleum and third-party electricity supply as possible with self-generated energy.

Mr Orduña said that Ahmsa will also take advantage of the gases released by coal. When coal is coked, methane gas is released, we trap and utilize that methane gas to make energy.