In 2024, electricity consumption in New Mexico presents a near equal split between fossil and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy accounts for just over half of the total electricity generation, primarily driven by gas, which contributes almost a third, and coal, which makes up just over one-fifth. Low-carbon energy, which includes both wind and solar, supplies a close comparable share of nearly half the electricity mix. Wind alone provides more than a third of the total electricity, showcasing its dominant role among clean sources, while solar contributes slightly more than a tenth to the state's electricity portfolio. This balance between fossil and low-carbon energies reflects a shifting trend toward more sustainable practices, though there remains room for further reduction in fossil fuels to mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
Is Electricity Growing in New Mexico?
New Mexico's total electricity consumption has seen a slight decrease compared to the peak levels observed in 2009, with current consumption standing at 18,847 kWh per person, which is a reduction of 632 kWh compared to 2009's figures. This indicates a cautious shift toward energy conservation or changes in consumption dynamics but also suggests that total electricity generation might not be expanding at the desired pace to meet increasing electrification needs. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation has shown significant growth, with the latest figures at 9,235 kWh per person, marking an increase of 898 kWh compared to the record from the year before. This significant progress in clean energy reflects positive strides towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable power practices.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation in New Mexico, expanding existing wind and solar capacities is a promising path, given their already significant contributions. Additionally, exploring the potential for nuclear energy could be an invaluable complement to the current energy strategies. Successful examples across regions include Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy forms more than half of their energy composition, and states like New Hampshire and South Carolina have strong reliance on nuclear energy, incorporating more than half of their electricity from this low-carbon source. Learning from these regions, New Mexico can potentially integrate nuclear power alongside expanding its wind and solar energy capabilities, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy mix.
History
Looking back over the past couple of decades, New Mexico has seen considerable growth in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily from wind and solar energies. The mid-2000s saw a gradual increase in wind power, with modest annual increments. However, from 2016 onwards, wind generation experienced notable growth, particularly around 2021 and 2022, with substantial yearly additions of about 3 TWh. Solar energy, though starting slower with initial gains in the early 2010s, began advancing more significantly from 2020 and continued to build momentum with a marked increase in 2024. This progressive expansion across these low-carbon technologies highlights New Mexico's ongoing efforts and commitment to sustainable energy, serving as an inspiring example of renewable growth and the potential to further expand clean energy through advancements in nuclear and solar technology.