Mexico

Infraestructura Energetica Nova (IEnova) is moving ahead with a project to convert its Energia Costa Azul liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Mexico to a liquefaction facility for exports to Pacific markets.

A local authority has ordered Gas Natural Fenosa (GNF) to halt construction of a distribution network in northwest Mexico after a pipeline burst early Wednesday morning during a pneumatic test.

Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) moved to shore up its finances in early February with a $4 billion bond placement, but Moody’s Investors Service sees potential clouds on the horizon for the Mexican state-owned oil giant.

Gas Natural Fenosa (GNF) aims to connect one million new customers to its natural gas distribution networks in Mexico over the next five years.

Paso Norte Pipeline Group (PNP) is holding a 30-day open season for a proposed international natural gas pipeline from the Waha Hub to Chihuahua that would link the Permian Basin to underserved markets in Central and Western Mexico, and terminate at the El Encino Hub in Chihuahua.

The Mexican Energy Ministry (Sener) is tweaking and clarifying its natural gas storage policy following a public comment period, and it expects to produce a final draft soon.

Royal Dutch Shell plc was the clear winner Wednesday in the fourth auction of Round Two of Mexico’s 2013-14 energy reform, where it snapped up nine of the 29 mostly oil-focused offshore blocks on offer.

An assortment of high-ranking Mexican national energy regulatory officials voiced support recently for balancing traditional regulatory approaches with the need to let the market dictate energy infrastructure development under the nation’s ongoing reforms that allow for more foreign investment.

Investment dollars are flowing into Mexico’s energy sector faster than meaningful projects and market designs can be put together, according to experts.