By Sarah Bairstow, CEO of Mexico Pacific
As the Chief Executive Officer of Mexico Pacific, I am honored to share our company’s vision and guiding principles that underpin the development of our Saguaro Energía LNG export project located in Sonora on the West Coast of Mexico and the Sierra Madre Pipeline. Our mission transcends the construction of infrastructure, representing our deep-seated commitment to complement key economic investment with conscious design and lasting benefits for communities.
Transforming Economies, One Project at a Time
Representing the largest foreign direct investment into Mexico, our Saguaro Energía LNG Project has been named the foundational pillar of the Sonora Plan, aimed at driving clean energy development and fostering economic growth across Sonora and Chihuahua. Our anchor project is forecast to increase Mexico’s annual GDP by 0.25%, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, providing a vital boost to local economies, and facilitating a brighter future for families across the regions we operate. Through our partnership with the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción (CMIC), we are not only creating jobs but also investing in the development of a skilled workforce. Our training and apprenticeship programs are designed to ensure local communities are well-equipped to participate in and benefit from this significant project.
Innovative and Responsible Development
At Mexico Pacific, we pride ourselves on not just meeting but exceeding regulatory requirements and industry standards, reflecting our dedication to environmental and social priorities. Our pipeline, LNG terminal, and shipping route have been consciously designed to avoid populated areas, indigenous communities, and environmentally protected areas – a first in Mexico and arguably all of North America. The LNG facility will operate sustainably, with no impact on local power, water, or housing. It is situated several kilometers away from residential and protected areas to minimize disruption. Our shipping route through the Sea of Cortez, a body of water 750 times wider than the Calcasieu River, utilizes shipping routes to Puerto Libertad established for over 30 years, avoiding all environmentally protected areas.
Making a Tangible Difference Through Social Investments
Our commitment goes beyond economic metrics and conscious design. In June 2024, we proudly announced a landmark agreement with our strategic partner, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), for social investments in Sonora and Chihuahua. This initiative is rooted in extensive community consultations to identify and address the most pressing needs with more than 30,000 km traveled to work directly within surrounding communities to understand their needs and how we can improve livelihoods, despite not transiting through the communities themselves. We are investing in six key areas: community infrastructure, skills development, education, security, environmental protection, and health. For example, in the Municipality of Pitiquito and the community of Puerto Libertad, we have donated land for a new elementary school scheduled to open this year and are supporting the development of healthcare facilities and improvements across the municipality. These actions are designed not just to address immediate needs but to lay the groundwork for sustainable development and improved quality of life for current and future generations.
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Our goal extends beyond project completion; we are building enduring relationships with the communities surrounding our project. As we move from the early works phase to the next stages of our project, our commitment to community engagement and local supplier participation remains paramount. This collaborative approach ensures that both local and national companies have opportunities to contribute to this transformative project. By working together, we can achieve significant and self-sustaining outcomes for surrounding communities.
Driving the Transition to Cleaner Energy
Natural gas is pivotal in the global transition to cleaner energy. Aligning with Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards, we have designed our facility to achieve lower lifecycle emissions compared to U.S. Gulf Coast counterparts. By sourcing lower CO2 natural gas from the Permian Basin and leveraging our strategic location on North America’s West Coast, we are significantly reducing project-related emissions for deliveries into Asia – the engine room of LNG demand. The Saguaro Energía LNG facility will cut emissions by tens of millions of metric tons of CO2 over its lifetime. This reduction is equivalent to eliminating nearly 12 gigawatt-hours of coal-fired generation and underscores our commitment to reducing global emissions while enhancing energy security.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Respect
As we move our project forward, I am deeply proud of the strides we are making. At Mexico Pacific, we believe that progress is truly measured by the positive impact we have on people and the planet. Through conscious planning, responsible innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our values, we are building more than just infrastructure—we are building a legacy of sustainability, equity, and respect. Together, we are fueling progress for future generations, supporting communities, and paving the way for a cleaner, more secure energy future.
Source: Energy Connectshttps://digitalgastech.energyconnects.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=3d955ea3-93ac-4b9e-a1e1-537cdfc473c7
