In New Mexico in 2025, more than half of the electricity generation is from low-carbon sources, with the rest coming from fossil fuels. Wind energy dominates the low-carbon sector, contributing over a third of the state's electricity. Solar energy, both utility-scale and behind-the-meter, adds significantly, with utility-scale solar being the primary contributor. On the fossil side, natural gas and coal account for the majority of the rest of the state's electricity generation, with natural gas being slightly more prevalent. The division between clean and fossil energy is almost equal, with clean energy holding a slight edge at 54%. This balance shows a significant effort to integrate cleaner technologies into New Mexico's energy matrix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Mexico?
Despite an encouraging blend of electricity sources, New Mexico's overall electricity consumption per person has slightly decreased from its previous record in 2024. The latest data shows a decline of about 200 kWh per person to 18,797 kWh in 2025. However, low-carbon electricity generation per person has increased significantly, with a notable rise of almost 500 kWh since 2024. This indicates that while overall consumption has dipped, the state is making progressive strides in producing more sustainable energy.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, New Mexico should expand its existing wind and solar capacities, given their substantial contributions. Learning from regions like Nevada and California, where solar energy constitutes a significant share of electricity, New Mexico could implement similar strategies to boost solar production. Furthermore, considering the successful integration of nuclear energy in states like New Hampshire and South Carolina, New Mexico could explore nuclear energy projects to supplement its clean energy resources, fortifying its energy mixture and driving further reductions in fossil fuel reliance.
History
Historically, New Mexico has seen varied shifts in its low-carbon electricity production. In 2024, there was a modest increase in wind energy output, though other low-carbon sources like hydro, biofuels, and geothermal remained unchanged. Unfortunately, in 2025, there was a decline in wind energy production, which signals a concerning trend that the state must address to sustain its transition to cleaner energy. This decline emphasizes the urgency to bolster other low-carbon sources like solar and possibly nuclear, creating a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the state's future growth and environmental commitments.
