In 2025, Mexico's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, which make up nearly three-quarters of the total electricity generated. Natural gas alone accounts for over half of the supply, making it the largest source of electricity. Despite the dominance of fossil fuels, clean energy sources contribute almost a quarter of Mexico's electricity. Hydropower is the most significant clean energy source, providing just under 8% of the total electricity, followed closely by solar and wind, contributing around 6-7% each. Nuclear energy contributes a modest 3%, indicating room for development. The reliance on fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, accounts for a noticeable portion, but these contribute to climate change and air pollution, highlighting the importance of shifting towards low-carbon alternatives.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
Electricity consumption in Mexico is growing, albeit slowly. The most recent data shows an increase in total electricity usage, reaching 2811 kWh per person, which is slightly higher than the previous record in 2024. However, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased compared to its peak in 2021, dropping from 732 to 679 kWh per person. This decline in low-carbon electricity generation indicates a need for the nation to amplify its efforts in sustainable energy to achieve consistent growth in cleaner electricity. While the overall consumption rises modestly, the decrease in low-carbon output is concerning and must be addressed to ensure a sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Mexico, particularly in solar and nuclear energy, the country can draw inspiration from successful regions. For instance, Nevada and California have demonstrated notable success in solar energy, generating around 30-34% of their electricity through solar power. This indicates the potential for Mexico to expand its solar capacity, given its favorable climate conditions. Similarly, France and Slovakia exemplify the possibilities of nuclear energy, with both countries generating over 65% of their electricity from this source. By investing in and developing its solar and nuclear energy infrastructure, Mexico can significantly enhance its clean electricity output. This shift not only supports Mexico's sustainability goals but also helps mitigate the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel dependence.
History
Historically, Mexico's low-carbon electricity landscape, particularly in hydropower, has experienced fluctuations. In the early 1980s, there were significant increases in hydropower generation, with further developments in the 1990s and 2000s. However, these periods were often punctuated by substantial declines, as seen in 1986, 1994, and more recently in 2023. The inconsistencies in hydropower generation signal a need for diversification and strengthening of other low-carbon sources of electricity. The recent boost in solar and wind electricity generation, notably in 2019 and 2020, shows a promising trend. Increasing investments in stable and scalable clean technologies, like solar and nuclear, can provide a more consistent and reliable strategy for expanding green energy and ultimately lessening the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
