Over the 12-month period from May 2024 to April 2025, Mexico's electricity consumption was predominantly powered by fossil fuels, comprising more than three-quarters of the total electricity generation. Gas, the dominant fossil fuel, contributed around 60%, while coal and oil made up close to 8% and 7% respectively. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the total, is mainly derived from hydropower at about 7%, followed by solar energy at close to 7%, wind at just over 5%, and nuclear power contributing about 3%. The heavy reliance on fossil fuels underscores the need for Mexico to pivot towards greener energy sources to combat the adverse effects of climate change and pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
Electricity consumption in Mexico has seen a marginal increase, with the latest figures reaching 2799 kWh per person, an increment of just 11 kWh from the previous year's record. However, it's concerning to see that the low-carbon generation has diminished, decreasing by 74 kWh per person from the record set in 2021. This drop indicates a setback in the progress towards sustainable electricity generation. The overall growth in electricity consumption, although slow, signals continued demand, but the decrease in low-carbon output highlights the urgency for Mexico to bolster its clean electricity generation efforts to meet the rising demand sustainably.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Mexico can draw inspiration from successful regions around the globe. Countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated an impressive commitment to nuclear energy, producing over 60% of their electricity from this source, setting a benchmark for sustainable growth. Similarly, Iowa and Denmark have harnessed wind power effectively, generating more than half of their electricity through this clean resource. For solar potential, Mexico can look towards regions like Lebanon, where around 31% of electricity is solar-powered. By learning from these examples, Mexico can diversify its energy portfolio, specifically by expanding its nuclear and solar capacities, thus ensuring a more resilient and green electricity future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Mexico reflects a fluctuating yet promising trajectory, particularly in hydropower and solar energy. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower saw significant gains with a few fluctuations, highlighted by notable increases of around 8 TWh in 1999. Despite the setbacks in certain years, such as 2023, hydropower has remained a crucial part of Mexico's low-carbon mix. The rise of solar energy stands out in recent years, with significant growth of over 9 TWh in 2020 and 6.8 TWh in 2023, showcasing its growing significance in Mexico's energy landscape. While the decline in biofuels and hydropower in recent years suggests room for improvement, the promising strides in solar energy should encourage further investments and developments in clean electricity sources.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.