Mexico targets reduction in natural gas import dependency by 2030

The Mexican government has released a strategic report aimed at reducing the nation's dependence on imported natural gas. Currently, 75% of the gas consumed in Mexico is imported, primarily from the United States. The federal administration aims to lower this dependency to 50.5% by 2030.

To achieve this, a scientific committee is evaluating the potential of unconventional gas deposits, which are often extracted via hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. While Mexico possesses an estimated 141.5 trillion cubic feet of unconventional gas, officials emphasized that no definitive decision has been made to authorize fracking. Experts have recommended prohibiting extraction in the Tampico-Misantla basin due to social, environmental, and biodiversity concerns, while studies continue in parts of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.

The proposed energy sovereignty strategy includes three immediate priorities: accelerating the integration of renewable energy to increase its share in the electricity matrix from 24% to 38% by 2030, implementing national energy efficiency programs, and utilizing conventional gas. The government noted that the current reliance on imported gas poses a risk to national security, as natural gas is essential for generating 70% of the country's electricity.