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Check FAQAbout Feike
Feike de Jong is a journalist based in Mexico City, México. He has written in international media such as the Atlantic CityLab, The Guardian and Fortune International, as well as having been an investigative reporter for Mexican business magazine Expansion. He won the Walter Reuter Prize in 2010 for an article on the impact of climate change in Mexico. He has blogged on urbanism for Forbes Mexico and was given a grant by the Mexican Secretariat of Culture to write an e-book/app on the edge of the greater Mexico City Area in 2015. This app is finished and will apear in the ITunes Store in March 2017. He has worked as a freelance researcher and editor for clients such as PwC Mexico, UC Davis and corporate accountability NGO Poder. He has also organized musical festival and events in Mexico City, as well as tours to the periphery of the megalopolis in collaboration with Mexico City's Rufino Tamayo Museum.
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Sun sets on Mexico’s paradise beaches as climate crisis hits home
In Quintana Roo, Mexico, climate change is causing sea levels to rise and beaches to erode, threatening the tourism industry. José Escalante is selling his beachfront hotels due to these environmental challenges, including unmanageable seaweed and security concerns. Scientists predict significant beach loss by 2050, and hurricanes are intensifying, further damaging the coastline. Despite these issues, the region is experiencing rapid development, which exacerbates the problem. Some measures, like coral reef insurance, are being taken, but the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry is in question.
Coronacrisis offers mariachi opportunities: perform via webcam
The COVID-19 crisis has heavily impacted Mexico, leading to a decline in live mariachi performances. Fernando Gendrop, who has a history of hiring mariachis, has turned to ordering performances via videoconference for personal celebrations. Mariachi groups, like Mariachi Cuajimalpa, have adapted by performing digitally, allowing them to reach international audiences. Despite the challenges, musicians like Paxpi Montesinos remain optimistic about the future of mariachi music and its ability to adapt to new formats.
Reclaimed lakes and giant airports: how Mexico City might have looked
Mexico City's history and potential future have been shaped by its relationship with water, from the construction of dykes to prevent flooding to the draining of lakes that has led to the depletion of aquifers. Various unbuilt projects over the years have sought to address the city's urban challenges, such as the double ring road proposal in 1967, the Aztlan 2000 social housing complex, and the Ciudad Futura development that would have recreated a lake environment. The most recent failed project was a new airport designed by Fernando Romero and Norman Foster, which was cancelled after a public referendum. Current mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has plans to recover some of the city's waterways, continuing the long history of urban development initiatives.
Mexico approves E&P plans
Mexico's hydrocarbons commission CNH approved exploration plans for Tecpetrol's Misión area and the development plan for Pemex's offshore Cheek field, along with offshore well drilling by Hokchi Energy and PC Carigali. The Cheek field, with significant reserves, is part of Pemex's strategy to boost short-term production. Tecpetrol's plan involves drilling in the Burgos basin with substantial investment and reserve estimates.
Dos Bocas refinery proposals to be submitted by mid-April
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that four companies, including Technip, KBR, Bechtel-Techint, and WorleyParsons-Jacobs, have agreed to submit proposals for the Dos Bocas refinery tender by April 18. The project is valued between 150bn and 160bn pesos. The government also plans to spend 25bn pesos on refurbishing Mexico's six existing refineries, which are operating at 30% capacity, to achieve self-sufficiency in gasoline and reduce consumer prices. In 2018, Mexico's gasoline and diesel demands were heavily reliant on imports, primarily from the US.
Mexico's CFE seeking 5.2Mt of coal
Mexico's state-run electricity utility CFE is seeking to acquire 5.2Mt of coal through tenders. The first tender for 330,000t from the Sabinas area in Coahuila was launched on March 22, with offers accepted until April 2 and the contract to be awarded on April 4. The second tender for 4.9Mt to supply the Petacalco plant in Guerrero was launched on March 25, with offers accepted until April 5 and the contract to be awarded on April 8. Mexico's coal-fired plants, which include Río Escondido, Carbon II, and Petacalco, represent 9% of the country's total capacity. Coal use is expected to remain stable until 2023, with an increase anticipated due to new capacity.
Chevron to fork out US$400mn for Mexico fuel storage capacity
Chevron plans to invest US$400 million over 15 years to acquire fuel storage capacity in Ensenada and Topolobampo, Mexico. The company, through its Chevron fuels division in Mexico led by José Parra, aims to move 35,000 barrels per day of diesel and gasoline from IEnova-built terminals by early 2021. Additional capacity acquisitions are considered in Sonora, Baja California, and the Bajío region. Kansas City Southern México anticipates a 15% increase in gasoline transport due to demand from newly opened service stations post-liberalization in 2016. Mexico has 70 fuel storage projects in progress, requiring US$4.48 billion in investment, with significant capacity additions in Veracruz, Mexico, and Tamaulipas. As of December, Mexico's gasoline demand was 788,000 barrels per day, with 78% met by imports.
AMLO: Dos Bocas refinery construction to start in 3 months
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that the Dos Bocas refinery project management contract will be resolved within a month, with construction starting in two to three months. Four groups, including Bechtel-Techint and WorleyParsons-Jacobs, have been invited to the tender. Techint's strong local manufacturing presence may aid in achieving the 50% local content goal. Mexico's refinery capacity utilization was at 30% in December, according to the Energy Ministry. The refinery is a flagship project expected to be completed in three years. Pemex reported increased gasoline and diesel production in February compared to January.
Mexico issues guidelines for emergency protocols
Mexico's hydrocarbons safety regulator ASEA has issued guidelines for the creation of emergency protocols in the oil and gas sector. These guidelines outline technical measures that regulated companies should incorporate, including lists of hazardous materials, potential preventive measures, and the availability of local emergency response services.
Ophir discovers oil in Mexico's Salina basin
UK-based Ophir, along with consortium partners Murphy Oil, PC Carigali, and Sierra Oil & Gas, discovered hydrocarbons in the deepwater area 5 of Mexico's Salina Basin through the Cholula-1 well. The discovery aligns with pre-drill expectations, and further drilling is needed to establish commercial viability. Ophir is in talks for a cash sale of its position in block 5. The consortium has been granted permission by CNH to leave their stakes in bond to ensure compliance with their obligations.
Head of Mexico energy watchdog won't be dismissed despite probe
Guillermo García, head of Mexico's energy regulator CRE, remains in his position despite an ongoing investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving his family members working in the sector. The Mexican senate's energy committee, chaired by Armando Guadiana, confirmed he would not be dismissed. President López Obrador's administration has criticized autonomous regulators, while industry associations advocate for regulatory independence. The CRE is currently unable to function properly due to a lack of quorum after four resignations. The senate approved 11 government-proposed candidates to fill the vacancies and will decide on the appointments this month.
Mexico approves Pemex, private sector plans
Mexico's hydrocarbons commission CNH approved modifications to Pemex's offshore and onshore exploration plans, including additional activities and drilling of new wells. Private sector plans by Jaguar, Pantera, and GS Oil and Gas were also approved, involving drilling and investment in various basins. The approvals include significant investments and potential for increased reserves, with Pemex's offshore plan alone requiring an investment of 5.2 billion pesos.
AMLO pledges to visit communities halting pipeline work
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador plans to visit communities that are obstructing the construction of seven natural gas pipelines by IEnova, Grupo Carso, and TransCanada. He has called for the renegotiation of 'immoral' take-or-pay contracts with the state-run electricity utility CFE, but denied any intention to sue non-compliant companies, contrary to CFE director Manuel Bartlett's earlier threats. TransCanada's report indicates that three pipelines are under force majeure with fixed capacity charges, with completion dates ranging from 2018 to 2020. IEnova also declared force majeure for a pipeline affected by the Yaqui tribe since August 2017.
Mexico Watch: US$15bn Russian investment; fiscal incentives for renewables
Russian businessmen and local companies Petróleos Internacionales del Caribe and Dragde have agreed to invest over US$15bn in strategic energy projects in Mexico, as announced by Dragde CEO Edgar Huerta during a forum in the Mexican senate. Petróleos Internacionales del Caribe, led by CEO Michael Hood, plans to collaborate with CFE and Pemex to boost production over the next three years. Additionally, Labor party senators have proposed fiscal stimuli for renewable energy technologies in an update to the climate change law, which is set to be negotiated in the commission for environment, natural resources and climate change.
Mexican government's oil income dives in January
In January 2019, the Mexican government's oil income was 44.5 billion pesos, a 50% decrease from the previous year, attributed to a 7% decline in crude prices and a 10% drop in production. State-owned Pemex reported a 2.24 billion peso loss, contrary to the projected 30 billion peso surplus. The shortfall was partly mitigated by higher-than-expected funds from the oil stabilization fund FMP. The reduced oil income poses challenges for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration as ratings agencies scrutinize the government's support for Pemex. The 2019 federal budget anticipates significant income from Pemex and the FMP, accounting for 19% of total projected government income. Additionally, the gasoline tax IEPS revenue increased in January 2019.
Chilean lawmakers want to end power cuts in rural water plants
Chile's lower chamber of congress has voted to request the executive branch to draft a bill mandating electricity distribution companies to provide alternative generation systems for rural water treatment plants. This action is in response to poor service and frequent power cuts due to inadequate maintenance of transmission lines by these companies, which have resulted in water supply interruptions in rural areas.
This is a link in Google Play to an app about a 51-day walk around Mexico City ubdertaken by Feike de Jong as well as different aspects of the edge of the city - contains more than 200 picture taken by the author.
Blogs on urbanism for Forbes Mexico
Limits: Explorations on the Edge of the Megalopolis of the Valley of Mexico
The article is a personal narrative by Feike de Jong, who undertook an 800km walk around the edge of Greater Mexico City to understand its vastness and complexity. He compares the city to a whale and himself to a minuscule sea creature, emphasizing the city's enormity and his own smallness. De Jong describes various experiences during his journey, including encounters with cockfighting and moments of vulnerability and reflection. He also touches on the informal urban spaces and the lives of those who inhabit the city's peripheries. The article serves as an exploration of Mexico City's urban landscape and the cultural practice of cockfighting. De Jong's ebook, 'Limits: Explorations on the Edge of the Megalopolis of the Valley of Mexico,' is mentioned to be published with a grant from Mexico’s Fondo Nacional de la Cultura y Las Artes in 2017.
Article for 2006 Mexico elections -
Article on commute from the edge of Mexico City to the city center.
An article on women leaders in Mexico City's notoriously difficult inner city - particularly involved generating contacts in Mexico City's Tepito neighborhood.
Urban vignette of Mexico City's experimental music scene done in collaboration with videoproducer Ramon Coelho.
Cambio climático: las dos caras de la moneda para los mexicanos
The article discusses the dual impact of climate change on Mexico, highlighting the country's vulnerability to global warming. It suggests that while Mexico faces significant challenges due to climate change, there are also opportunities for businesses, the government, and citizens to benefit from the situation. The article likely explores the potential for economic growth in sectors that could thrive under changing climate conditions, as well as the importance of adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
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