PEMEX Extends Agreement With UNAM for Hydrocarbon Extraction

PEMEX has extended its agreement with UNAM to enhance hydrocarbon extraction. The agreement, originally established in December 2023, focuses on characterization studies of rock and fluids for PEMEX Exploration and Production fields. The extension was signed by Carlos Amador, Director, UNAM School of Chemistry (FQ), and Luz Lozano, PEMEX Attorney.

The collaboration, which operates through the FQ's Unit of Services for the Oil Industry (USIP), will continue until Jan. 31, 2026. The USIP's mission is to provide scientific and technological support to the oil industry, including research, development, and evaluation of technologies to improve hydrocarbon extraction.

According to Amador, the extension demonstrates that the FQ possesses the necessary resources and capabilities to conduct such complex actions. Simón López, Head, USIP, explained that the project involves conducting studies to assist PEMEX in designing enhanced recovery processes to increase the amount of oil that can be obtained from a reservoir. The work has focused on the Nohoch, Cibix, and Jujo-Tecominoacán oil fields in the southern region of Mexico, near Tabasco.

The USIP has received support from other UNAM entities and IPN for these activities. López Ramírez stated that USIP's approach is to not only provide results but also to explain the underlying processes, which he considers a key differentiator.

José Barragán, Coordinator of Service Units, FQ, commented that the partnership positions UNAM and its School and Unit within Mexico's oil and energy industry. He highlighted that this relationship is breaking ground being the first of its kind, allowing the USIP to contribute with capabilities previously not available in a higher education center in Mexico. 

The collaboration with PEMEX strengthens the link between academia and industry to benefit the country through technological development projects. Roberto García, Director of Technological Services, UNAM, noted that the project is considered strategic by PEMEX as Mexico requires greater resource extraction.