Over the past year, specifically from September 2024 to August 2025, Mexico's electricity consumption has been dominated by fossil energy sources, which account for close to three-quarters of the total consumption. The majority of this fossil-based electricity comes from gas, contributing approximately 60%, followed by coal and oil, each adding nearly 8% and 6%, respectively. On the brighter side, low-carbon sources contribute about 24% of the total electricity consumption. This segment includes hydropower, which offers around 7.5%, solar at roughly 6.5%, wind at close to 6%, and nuclear energy, providing a small but significant portion at just over 3%. While the reliance on fossil fuels remains high, the presence of low-carbon options highlights the potential for cleaner electricity advancements.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mexico?
Recent electricity consumption patterns in Mexico reveal a slight decline, which raises concern. For the year 2025, the national electricity consumption clocked in at 2772 kWh per person, showing a decrease of 37 kWh per person from the previous record set in 2024. The decline is not limited to total consumption; the low-carbon electricity generation also decreased, registering 667 kWh per person, which is 65 kWh per person lower than the highest level recorded in 2021. A drop in low-carbon generation is particularly disappointing, given the urgent need to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and expand sustainable energy alternatives to combat climate change and foster a cleaner environment for future generations.
Suggestions
To bolster Mexico's low-carbon electricity sector, learning from regions that successfully leverage nuclear and solar energy is essential. France and Slovakia, for instance, generate most of their electricity - 69% and 67%, respectively - from nuclear power. These countries exemplify how a strong nuclear sector can significantly contribute to a nation's clean energy matrix. Solar energy should also be a cornerstone for Mexico's future. Drawing inspiration from countries like Lebanon and states such as Nevada and Spain, which generate over 20% of their electricity from solar, Mexico should support policies and investments that boost solar infrastructure. By expanding nuclear and solar capacity, Mexico can secure a cleaner, more sustainable electricity supply.
History
Historically, Mexico has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation, with hydropower seeing significant changes. In the early 1980s, particularly in 1981, hydropower increased by 7.7 TWh, only to experience a considerable decrease in 1986 by 6.2 TWh. Similar fluctuations occurred throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with hydropower both climbing and dropping significantly in various years. More recent years have shown diversification, with notable increases in solar and wind power by 4.7 TWh each in 2019 and an impressive surge in solar energy by over 9 TWh in 2021. Despite some recent setbacks, such as the sizable drop in hydropower in 2023, the progress in solar and wind power bodes well for Mexico's clean energy future if further supported and expanded.
