In Mexico in 2025, electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil fuels, with almost three-quarters of electricity powered by these sources. Natural gas dominates this category, contributing to about 60% of the total electricity, which is concerning given global climate change considerations. On a more positive note, close to a quarter of the electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Hydropower stands as the leading low-carbon source, delivering about 8%, while solar and wind collectively contribute over 12% of the electricity. However, nuclear power, a critical component of low-carbon energy in many regions, provides a modest 3%, indicating an area with potential for growth.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
When we look at the growth of electricity consumption in Mexico, the latest figures for 2025 show a minor hike, reaching 2811 kWh per person compared to 2809 kWh the previous year. This marks a minuscule change, signaling a stagnation rather than robust growth. Moreover, the generation of low-carbon electricity hasn't kept pace, dropping to 679 kWh per person from a previous high of 732 kWh per person in 2021. Given the potential demand growth from technologies like AI and the necessity for cleaner energy sources, this stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation is concerning. Mexico needs to pivot towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy strategy to ensure sufficient, environmentally friendly energy production in the future.
Suggestions
To enhance Mexico's low-carbon electricity generation, a focus on expanding both solar and nuclear energy will be pivotal. Learning from regions with substantial achievements in these areas, like the state of Nevada and California, Mexico can significantly benefit from increased solar infrastructure. Similarly, countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of nuclear energy, providing over two-thirds of their electricity from this low-carbon source. By prioritizing these clean energy solutions, Mexico can decrease its fossil fuel dependency while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy not only promises cleaner air and reduced climate impacts but also positions Mexico as a leader in sustainable energy innovations.
History
Historically, Mexico's journey with low-carbon electricity has been one of highs and lows. In the 1980s and 1990s, the hydroelectric sector experienced several fluctuations, with both significant increases and declines in electricity generation. The early 2000s mirrored this trend until hydro power saw a substantial, nearly 12 TWh increase in 2008, illustrating the potential for significant contributions to the electricity grid. In recent years, hydropower encountered a steep drop but started recovering gently. The inclusion of solar and wind energy in 2019 has shown promising increments, notably with solar seeing over 9 TWh growth in 2020, marking a positive step towards diversifying Mexico's energy portfolio and contributing to a greener future. For sustained progress, Mexico now needs to continue diversifying and expanding its low-carbon electricity sources to ensure energy security and environmental protection.
