Use of ‘Fracking’ to Obtain Gas Is Still Being Investigated; Energy Sovereignty Is Being Sought, Sheinbaum Says

ByFabiola Martínez and Alma E. Muñoz

This article by Fabiola Martínez and Alma E. Muñoz originally appeared in the August 7, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left-wing daily newspaper.

Mexico City. President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that the investigations to determine whether it is possible to use other methods to obtain gas (such as “fracking”) are underway and no conclusion has yet been reached, but the studies must definitely move forward because long-term energy sovereignty is a matter of national security. She noted that many countries are seeking this alternative, like ours, in order to depend less and less on imported energy.

“What motivates the possibility of exploiting unconventional gas in our territory? What is the main motivation? Energy sovereignty—that Mexico can depend as little as possible on imported energy; it is a matter of national security and sovereignty, and the United States, Europe, Korea, Japan, all the countries of the world are pursuing it,” she said.

At the morning press conference, she was asked to comment on those who disagree with the use of “fracking.” She noted that the investigations are in their early stages and it is only now going to be determined whether there are grounds to carry out that type of exploration.

Separately, she said, there are import contracts with the United States that will be maintained “because that is how it should be, and part of the gas will continue”; however, “what we don’t want is for it to keep growing, because there are five combined-cycle plants that are necessary for the country, planned for the near future, indispensable so that Mexico can continue to have enough electricity for development.”

She indicated that the country’s strategy in this area is not based exclusively on gas, but also on renewable energy sources.

“We are going to be the presidential term of greatest growth in renewable energy sources, and likewise of a very important effort to bring new energy-efficiency equipment to the country, but it is essential to strengthen energy sovereignty.”

“Is gas necessary for energy sovereignty? Yes, it is necessary; we have sought other options and we are going to keep seeking them, but natural gas will be required for a good while.”

PRESIDENT CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM

Then, the president added, our government’s motivation stems from a vision not only of the four years remaining in this administration but for the long term, because it is a historic responsibility to guarantee the country’s energy sovereignty.

In the trade relationship with the United States, gas will continue to be imported, but without letting this dependence grow. “Where is there gas? Well, it’s being flared into the atmosphere, so we have to tackle that, because it’s a pending issue for Mexico that must be resolved; is there more conventional gas? Yes, there is more conventional gas; how much? So far, not enough, which leads us to say, well, for now we have to research what new technologies exist to know whether it is feasible to develop it.”

She recalled that various experts are analyzing the issue, but clarified that the country already consumes unconventional gas—about 60 percent of that gas comes from Texas, a few meters from the border but not on this side. She indicated that in Mexico it will first be determined whether there is saltwater to see if it is feasible. “The decision hasn’t even been made. It is a responsible decision, evidently drawing on the new technologies that exist, about what suits the country.”

President Sheinbaum explained that this research is important; in the Tampico-Mizantla Basin, for instance, it would not be pursued, because there are Indigenous peoples and the natural environment is very rich and the environmental impacts would be very great, so research continues on biomass and on whether there are more geothermal possibilities or more waterfalls—since building large dams would require relocating populations.

There aren’t a thousand alternatives, but within this framework we are looking for the best possible options without affecting communities and ensuring that the environmental impacts are minimal.

President Claudia Sheinbaum