Mexico Sets Sights on Fracking in Tamaulipas and Coahuila
The Mexican government is planning to move forward with pilot fracking projects in Tamaulipas and Coahuila, two northern states that have been identified as prospective for unconventional gas development.
This decision comes after a report by the Scientific Committee on Energy Sovereignty and Unconventional Natural Gas Deposits concluded that the Sabinas-Burro-Picachos Basin in Coahuila and the Burgos Basin in Tamaulipas are suitable for hydraulic fracturing, despite some environmental concerns.
The committee's report highlighted the geological advantages of these basins, including sufficient organic content, low matrix permeability, and manageable depth relative to water table zones. However, it also noted that further assessment is required before proceeding with development.
The decision to move forward with pilot fracking projects in Tamaulipas and Coahuila is seen as a cautious but directionally clear answer from the Sheinbaum administration, which is seeking to reduce Mexico's dependence on imported natural gas and create jobs in the energy sector. The country's current reliance on pipeline imports from the United States has left it vulnerable to pricing volatility and potential supply interruptions.