In the period from December 2024 to November 2025, the vast majority of Mexico's electricity generation can be attributed to fossil energy sources, which account for approximately three-quarters of the nation's total electricity mix. With more than half originating from natural gas alone, the dominance of fossil fuels is apparent. Low-carbon energy accounts for a bit less than a quarter of the total electricity generation in Mexico, making important contributions to the energy mix. Hydropower leads among low-carbon sources, providing nearly 8% of electricity. Solar and wind together make up around 12%, split nearly equally between the two, while nuclear energy offers close to 3%.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
Sadly, the data reflects a slight decline in electricity consumption in Mexico, with a drop from the previous record of 2809 kWh/person in 2024 to 2803 kWh/person in 2025, showcasing a decrease even as global energy demands rise. Disappointingly, low-carbon electricity has seen an even steeper decline from its peak of 732 kWh/person in 2021 to the current 680 kWh/person, leaving a gap of 52 kWh compared to its former record. The decrease in clean electricity generation comes at a time when the urgency to combat climate change and reduce reliance on polluting energy sources is greater than ever.
Suggestions
To foster an increase in low-carbon electricity generation, Mexico can look to regions that have successfully harnessed solar, wind, and nuclear energy. States like Nevada and California have made significant strides in solar power generation, achieving 33% and 29%, respectively, demonstrating the potential for solar expansion in sunlight-rich Mexico. On the nuclear front, countries like France and Slovakia generate more than 66% of their electricity through nuclear energy, setting a benchmark for stable and sustainable power. By following these examples and tapping into the country's abundant solar potential and exploring nuclear expansion, Mexico can significantly cut down on fossil fuel dependency and enhance its low-carbon electricity profile.
History
Throughout its history, Mexico's journey with low-carbon electricity has experienced numerous shifts, particularly with hydropower. In the early 1980s, hydropower showed a positive trend with a notable increase in 1981. The following years witnessed fluctuations, including notable declines in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. However, the late 2000s and early 2010s saw promising gains until 2019, when solar and wind each added 4.7 TWh to the mix. More recently, the year 2020 saw solar make a substantial leap forward, contributing an impressive 9.2 TWh. Despite a decline in hydropower in 2023, recent numbers have shown some recovery. Moving forward, such inputs as supporting solar and wind initiatives and exploring nuclear expansion can pave the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future.
