Mexico Explores Unconventional Gas to Reduce U.S. Dependence

Mexico City — Mexico announced plans Wednesday to develop its unconventional natural gas reserves, using the controversial hydraulic fracturing technique known as fracking, in a bid to reduce its dependence on foreign energy. The country currently imports 75% of the gas it consumes, mostly from the United States.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, a scientist with expertise in climate change, avoided using the term “fracking” in her announcement. She stated the government would seek to extract gas “in a sustainable way, minimizing environmental impacts as much as possible.”

However, it remains unclear if this can be done sustainably. Sheinbaum said a technical committee will work for two months to determine if less harmful techniques are feasible—such as using fewer chemicals and non-potable water—and to assess the costs.

“All the gas we import comes from a type of exploitation that has environmental impacts” and is located “100 meters from the Mexican border,” the president said, referring to fracking projects in Texas.

Since taking office in October 2024, Sheinbaum has pledged to promote renewable energy while maintaining strong support for the state oil company Pemex. She argued Wednesday that Mexico cannot do without oil and other fossil fuels.

The government insists it will continue developing renewables, but the priority is now reducing foreign energy dependence during turbulent times. Officials cited Europe’s gas shortages during the war in Ukraine and current Middle East conflicts as examples of supply risks.

“What do we put at the center? Sovereignty… development for our country,” Sheinbaum said. “We have a good relationship with the U.S. government and our natural gas import contracts are guaranteed, but it’s a responsible decision to increase our energy sovereignty.” She added, “Do we need more gas? Yes. Can we replace all gas? Hardly.”

Mexico is the world’s largest buyer of U.S. gas. Over the past fifteen years, the Latin American country has significantly increased its dependence on imports, partly because its main gas field is overexploited and its gas is heavily contaminated with nitrogen, making extraction very costly.

Last year, Mexico set records by consuming 9.1 billion cubic feet per day, with 6.8 billion imported. Most is used for electricity generation, and the government projects it will need 30% more by 2030.

Sheinbaum’s proposal, which will likely generate controversy, follows a wave of projects aimed at expanding existing infrastructure to import more U.S. natural gas for domestic electricity needs and to re-export some to Asian and European markets.

These projects have been criticized by major environmental groups in Mexico, who argue the strategy increases reliance on a polluting fossil fuel and moves the country away from its climate commitments.