INSPENET’s CEO, Mr. Francesco Solari, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Oscar Mendoza, who currently holds the position of Director Gas Mexico & Central America at Gasoductos y Estaciones del Norte. A leading expert in energy project management with a solid track record of more than 15 years in the natural gas sector in Mexico and Central America. During the interview for our edition of INSPENET BRIEF, Dr. Mendoza shared his vision on the challenges, opportunities and innovations facing the industry in a world moving towards energy sustainability.
La importancia del gas natural en la transición energética
INSPENET BRIEF: Dr. Mendoza, how do you see the current outlook for the energy sector and the role of natural gas?
Dr. Óscar Mendoza: The natural gas has a very active role in the energy transition, especially in Mexico. This resource will continue to be a central component for many years to come, as it acts as a bridge between traditional and renewable energy sources.
Its low environmental impact, compared to coal or oil, makes it a clean and viable alternative. Globally, the transition to more sustainable energy presents great opportunities for technological innovation and the development of new solutions.
Desafíos regulatorios y técnicos en la industria del gas
IB: What are the main challenges facing natural gas transportation in Mexico?
OM: More than technical challenges, the problems are mainly regulatory and social. In Mexico, difficulties related to rights-of-way and negotiations with community leaders complicate the construction of new pipelines. In some cases, these delays make projects significantly more expensive. It is essential to find a balance between the rights of communities and the country’s energy needs.
Innovaciones tecnológicas en gasoductos y estaciones
IB: What technological innovations are being implemented in Gasoductos y Estaciones del Norte to optimize the supply of natural gas?
OM: We have developed decompression stations that make it possible to bring compressed gas to areas that cannot be reached by pipelines. This model especially benefits industries, offering a more economical and sustainable energy source. We are also innovating with methane and green hydrogen blends, which contributes to decarbonization and the move towards cleaner sources.
Expansión y colaboración público-privada
IB: How are you expanding your reach and what is the role of public-private collaboration?
OM: We serve diverse markets, from residential to industrial, and we have built more than 1 million linear meters of gas pipelines in Mexico. Public-private collaboration has been key to covering areas that the government has not been able to develop. This has allowed us to guarantee a reliable and accessible supply of natural gas in the country.
El futuro del gas natural y su papel en el replanteamiento energético global
IB: Thinking ahead to 2050, how do you envision the participation of natural gas in the global energy scenario?
OM: Although natural gas will remain relevant, its role will gradually diminish as renewable sources such as biogas and green hydrogen are developed. We are already working on biodigesters that capture biogas from organic waste and solutions for blending methane with green hydrogen. However, this transition will be slow due to the investments needed to develop these technologies on a large scale.
IB: Finally, what message would you like to share with our readers?
OM: It is crucial that we all become aware of the importance of changing the way we think about and consume energy. The energy transition requires collective efforts to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable future. We have the opportunity to transform our relationship with energy and build a better world for future generations.
IB: We are deeply grateful to Dr. Oscar Mendoza for sharing his time and expertise with us. His vision and leadership in the energy sector are an inspiration to those working for a more sustainable future.
OM: Thank you for the invitation. I will always be willing to collaborate and contribute to initiatives that promote knowledge and energy development.
IB: The knowledge of leaders like Dr. Oscar Mendoza inspires us to transform energy challenges into opportunities for growth and sustainability. See you next time!
Este artículo fue desarrollado por el especialista Óscar Mendoza y publicado como parte de la cuarta edición de la revista Inspenet Brief Diciembre 2024, dedicada a contenidos técnicos del sector energético e industrial.