Mexico's energy policy: the past and the future

Journal Article · · J. Energy Dev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6825426

Wionczek, M S

Prior to 1973-74, no market-economy country thought it needed an energy policy, a situation that led to numerous incoherent and inefficient governmental actions. It is not clear whether Mexico has yet developed a definitive energy policy, but the problems Mexico is experiencing since the rediscovery in the mid-1970s of its oil wealth must be examined in the context of worldwide long-term energy developments. Mexico's first experience (between 1890-1930) as an oil country is responsible for its current self-designation as a country with oil. The author reviews the process of oil nationalization and allocative decisions leading to a restructuring of development plans and the investment in large-scale hydroelectric power because of technological and financial constraints on oil development. Prior to 1975, oil-development policies were not incorporated into Mexico's economic development plans. The rediscovery of oil changed Mexico's self-image as a resource-poor nation to one of confusion over the socio-economic ramifications of developing its petroleum resources. Political arguments over the costs and benefits of oil resulted in a five-point goal of satisfying national energy needs, renationalizing energy production and use, integrating energy into the economy, compiling an inventory of national energy resources, and developing the infrastructure to develop resources and apply new technologies. 8 references. (DCK)

• Research Organization: El Colegio de Mexico, Mexico City
• OSTI ID: 6825426
• Journal Information: J. Energy Dev.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Dev.; (United States) Vol. 7:2; ISSN JENDD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
021000 -- Petroleum-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
294002 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Petroleum
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LATIN AMERICA
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
POLITICAL ASPECTS