Non-Renewable Energy Sources in Mexico: Oil, Gas, and Coal

Mexico's energy mix remains heavily fossil-fueled, though renewables are growing. Three non-renewables dominate:

1. Petroleum (Crude Oil)

11th largest producer globally (1.9M bpd, 2023). Pemex (state-owned) controls most. Cantarell, Ku-Maloob-Zaap (offshore), Chicontepec (onshore). Exports ~1M bpd (mostly to US); imports refined products. Revenue: ~15% federal budget.

2. Natural Gas

Associated gas from oil fields + non-associated (Burgos, Sabinas, Veracruz basins). 2023: 4.5 Tcf production. 60% power generation, 30% industrial, 10% residential/commercial. Imports from US (pipeline) rising—~5 Bcf/day.

3. Coal

Minor but persistent. Coahuila (Sabinas, Río Escondido basins) — sub-bituminous. 2023: ~14 Mt production. Use: CFE power plants (Carbón I, II, III — 2.5 GW), cement, steel. Decline: Reserves depleting; no new mines. Phase-down discussed but no deadline.

Transition Context

2023 electricity: 72% fossil (gas 58%, oil 8%, coal 6%), 28% clean (hydro 8%, wind 7%, solar 6%, nuclear 4%, geo 3%). 2024 target: 35% clean (likely missed). Pemex debt ($106B) constrains investment. USMCA, climate pressure, and economics drive change—but slowly.