Claudia Sheinbaum takes office as president amid energy and ecological challenges in Mexico.

Claudia Sheinbaum, the first elected president of Mexico, will assume her position on October 1 with an impressive academic background in energy engineering and significant participation in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Her rise to power has renewed the hopes of many who see in her trajectory a significant potential for Mexico to regain its status as a leader in clean energy. However, despite her credentials, experts warn that her energy plan is confusing and contradictory, which could jeopardize the ecological and energy future of the country. Although she is considered an ally of ecological movements, Sheinbaum seems to be aligned with policies that favor state-owned enterprises, such as Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). This approach contradicts the urgent need to modernize and diversify Mexico's energy sector, which has suffered a setback since Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) took office in 2018. AMLO's policies have prioritized the revitalization of Pemex and the restoration of CFE's monopoly, resulting in higher electricity rates and an increase in blackouts. The review and possible constitutional reform pushed by her mentor, AMLO, poses a significant danger to the independence of the energy sector. These reforms, which have been criticized for undermining the judiciary's capacity and dismantling regulatory bodies, could lead to a scenario where decisions regarding electricity permits fall almost exclusively to the Ministry of Energy. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for investors, who fear being forced to partner with state-owned companies instead of operating competitively in the market. The potential for renewable energy in Mexico is undeniable, with estimates suggesting a production capacity of over 25,000 gigawatts of solar energy, as well as significant resources in wind, geothermal, and hydropower. However, this potential has been poorly utilized since AMLO came to power, as he has sought to reverse the energy sector opening reforms implemented in 2013. AMLO's decisions have led to a decline in foreign investment and a growing distrust in the private sector. One of the biggest challenges Sheinbaum will face will be balancing her commitment to renewable energy with the pressure to maintain state control over the energy sector. While she has promised significant investment in energy infrastructure, her insistence that Pemex remain the pillar of the sector may limit the innovation and adoption of clean technologies necessary for sustainable development. The new Minister of Energy, Luz Elena González Escobar, has already made it clear that the priority will be energy sovereignty, which could translate into a continuation of statist policies. The appointment of Emilia Esther Calleja to head the CFE also raises questions about the future direction of the company. Her experience is more aligned with conventional energy generation, which could hinder the transition to clean energy sources. The need to increase hydroelectric capacity also presents a challenge, as Mexico faces climatic conditions that limit the viability of new projects of this kind. Pemex's financial situation is alarming. With debt exceeding $100 billion and production having drastically decreased, AMLO's efforts to revive the company are leading to further deterioration. Poorly managed investments, such as the controversial refinery that cost more than double the initial estimate, have only exacerbated the inefficiency of the sector. In this context, Sheinbaum's promises to diversify Pemex's activities toward renewable energies seem more like a wish than a viable reality. The growing pressure from industrial sectors is also a factor to consider. A recent survey revealed that most industrial parks cite energy supply issues as a barrier to attracting investments. In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, companies require clean energy sources to meet their emission reduction goals. Sheinbaum's reluctance to adopt a more liberal approach and to allow private investment could result in a capital flight to markets more friendly to renewable energies. Finally, the lack of a clear and coherent energy plan could have long-term repercussions for the Mexican economy. Mexico's ability to attract investment and maintain its competitiveness on the global stage will depend on its capacity to adapt to the demands of a world transitioning to clean energy. Without a comprehensive strategy that balances the needs of the state sector with the urgency of creating a conducive environment for private investment, the promise of a sustainable energy future in Mexico may remain just that: a promise.