In 2025, New Mexico's electricity consumption is split relatively evenly between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity, about 54%, is generated from low-carbon sources, with wind and solar being significant contributors. Wind power generates roughly 36% of the electricity here, underscoring its dominant role in the state's clean energy mix. Solar energy, too, plays a crucial part, providing around 17%, with most of it coming from utility-scale installations. In contrast, fossil energy makes up nearly 47% of the electricity supply, with natural gas and coal being the primary contributors at approximately 26% and 20% respectively. This distribution highlights an ongoing shift towards sustainable energy, even though a substantial portion still comes from fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Mexico?
In terms of electricity growth, New Mexico has experienced a setback. The state's per capita electricity consumption in 2025 dipped to 18,797 kWh, a decline from the previous year's 19,011 kWh, marking a decrease of 213 kWh per person. This stagnation is concerning, especially when considering the growing demand for electricity that the rise of technologies such as AI heralds. However, the silver lining is the increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which is now 10,063 kWh per person, up by 474 kWh from the prior year. This positive growth in low-carbon electricity is promising, yet the state needs to bolster overall electricity generation to meet future energy demands adequately.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, New Mexico should focus on expanding its wind and solar assets, given their already substantial contribution. Learning from other regions could also be beneficial. For example, states like Iowa and South Dakota capitalize heavily on wind energy, generating nearly 58% of their electricity from it. New Mexico could aim to replicate this success. In addition, the expansion of nuclear energy should be considered. Various regions like France and Illinois have effectively integrated nuclear power, providing more than 50% of their electricity. By investing in nuclear power, New Mexico could significantly boost its green electricity production, aligning with global trends towards sustainable energy.
History
Historically, New Mexico's low-carbon energy journey reflects some progress and recent challenges. In 2024, the state saw a small increase in wind energy generation by 0.2 TWh, though other low-carbon sources such as hydro, biofuels, and geothermal energy stagnated. Unfortunately, in 2025, wind power declined by 0.9 TWh, demonstrating the volatility and potential challenges within this sector. Biofuels and geothermal energy continued to show no growth, emphasizing reliance on dominant clean sources like wind and solar. The minimal recent progress in other low-carbon technologies indicates a need for strategic investments and innovations to reignite the upward trajectory of green electricity. Exploring a diverse energy portfolio that includes enhanced investments in wind and especially solar and introducing nuclear energy could secure a stable and increasing future for low-carbon electricity in New Mexico.
