President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a technical committee to study the return of modern fracking in Mexico to cut reliance on US natural gas imports. She distinguished it from traditional methods by using technologies that recycle water and avoid potent chemicals, boosting energy sovereignty. The process will take 10 to 15 years and require major investments.
President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified in her April 9 morning briefing that she accepts modern fracking, not the traditional kind, due to technological advances minimizing environmental impacts. "There are new techniques, new technologies that open the possibility of recycling water, without using these potent chemicals," she said. A committee of specialists in geology, environment, and water management will recommend sites and methods in two months.
Mexico imports about 70-75% of its natural gas from the United States, covering much of its consumption for electricity generation and industry. Sheinbaum stressed Pemex will lead without private concessions, though mixed contracts are possible. Expert Ramsés Pech estimates 10-15 years to reduce dependence, with annual investments of $35-45 billion and 100-140 drilling rigs.
Pemex produces 2,300 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd), projecting 4,000 MMcfpd by the end of the term and over 8,000 MMcfpd by 2035 if unconventional fields are included. Pemex CEO Víctor Rodríguez Padilla acknowledged environmental challenges but noted technological progress. Analyst Paul Alejandro Sánchez warned Pemex lacks resources and experience, with execution as the main hurdle.
This marks a shift from former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who opposed fracking and tried unsuccessfully to ban it. Sheinbaum upholds sovereignty focus as gas demand grows 30% from new industrial projects.
