The Government of Mexico has announced a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the nation’s energy sovereignty, placing at its core the country’s development, environmental future, and long-term sustainability for coming generations.
On April 8, 2026, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo presented the “Strategy to Strengthen Energy Sovereignty,” outlining a clear path to reduce Mexico’s dependence on imported natural gas while ensuring responsible and sustainable growth. The strategy is built on three main pillars: improving energy efficiency through the use of more advanced, lower-consumption equipment; expanding the use of renewable energy sources; and increasing the domestic production of natural gas, particularly from conventional reserves, to gradually decrease imports.
Recognizing the technical and environmental complexities of exploiting unconventional gas reserves, the government will convene a committee of scientists and specialists in areas such as water management, sustainable extraction, geology, and environmental protection. This committee is expected to deliver its recommendations within two months, ensuring that any future development is guided by rigorous scientific analysis and environmental responsibility.
The President emphasized that energy sovereignty does not imply an immediate end to imports, noting that such a transition will require time and sustained effort. Mexico currently relies heavily on imported natural gas, and while existing agreements—particularly with the United States—remain secure, the country is committed to progressively strengthening its own production capacity over the next 10 to 15 years.
Natural gas plays a critical role across nearly all sectors of Mexico’s economy. At present, the country consumes approximately 9 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, of which only about a quarter is produced domestically, with the remaining 75 percent imported—primarily from Texas and California. This dependence exposes Mexico to international price fluctuations, climate-related disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and external decision-making.
To address these vulnerabilities, the government’s strategy seeks not only to tap into Mexico’s significant natural gas reserves but also to accelerate the transition toward cleaner energy. The share of electricity generated from renewable sources is projected to increase from 24 percent to 38 percent by 2030.
Mexico’s reserves offer considerable potential. Conventional gas fields—where gas is found alongside oil or as dry gas—can be readily integrated into existing pipeline systems. Meanwhile, unconventional reserves, located in shale or compact rock formations, represent an additional long-term opportunity, pending careful evaluation. Current estimates indicate 83 trillion cubic feet of conventional reserves and over 141 trillion cubic feet of unconventional resources.
According to projections by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), national production of natural gas is expected to reach over 4 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, with the potential to rise to 8.6 billion cubic feet per day within the next decade if unconventional resources are developed.
Through this strategy, the Government of Mexico reaffirms its commitment to a balanced approach—one that strengthens national energy independence, supports economic development, and safeguards the environment for future generations.
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