As of 2025, electricity consumption in Mexico is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 70% of electricity generated from these sources. Natural gas dominates this segment, making up around 60% of the total electricity generation, accompanied by smaller contributions from coal and oil, each providing around 6-7%. On the low-carbon front, roughly a quarter of the nation's electricity is sourced from clean energy options. Hydropower is the most significant low-carbon electricity source, supplying close to 8% of the total, while solar and wind provide around 6-7% and almost 6%, respectively. Nuclear power plays a modest role, contributing around 3% to the overall electricity mix.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
Despite the pressing need for more electricity to support economic growth and environmental sustainability, Mexico's electricity consumption has slightly decreased, marking a setback. The per capita electricity usage in 2025 is 2764 kWh, a small drop from the previous year's record of 2771 kWh. This decline extends to low-carbon generation as well, which now stands at 674 kWh per person, down from the 732 kWh achieved in 2021. Such declines are concerning, given the global trend of prioritizing clean electricity to combat climate change and reduce reliance on polluting fossil fuels.
Suggestions
For Mexico to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, learning from successful regions using nuclear and solar energy is essential. Countries like France and Slovakia have excelled with nuclear energy, demonstrating how it can be a significant component of a low-carbon energy mix. Meanwhile, regions like North Macedonia and Nevada showcase the potential of solar power. By investing in and expanding both nuclear and solar capacity, Mexico can significantly boost its clean electricity contribution, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts.
History
Historically, Mexico has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation. The late 20th century saw varying outputs from hydropower, with notable increases and decreases, reflecting its dependency on variable factors such as water availability. More recent years highlight the promising rise of solar and wind power, particularly since 2019, when both sources began contributing significantly to the country's electricity mix. While these positive developments are commendable, the decline in hydropower during 2023 underscores the importance of diversifying low-carbon sources by investing in more stable options like nuclear and solar energy. Continuous improvement in these sectors is vital for Mexico's transition to a cleaner and more sustainable electricity system.
