Mexico’s energy landscape is shifting. Technological advancements are driving a transformation in how the country generates electricity. But how is Mexico progressing towards a cleaner energy future? This analysis, based on a report by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), examines Mexico’s electricity generation trends from 2017 to 2022, providing insights into the growth of clean energy and the challenges that remain.
Electricity generated in Mexico in 2022
Clean energy generation in Mexico saw a significant 48.4% increase between 2017 and 2022. This growth propelled the share of zero-emission sources in the national energy mix from 19.4% in 2017 to 26.1% in 2022. However, progress stalled in 2022, with a 1.4 percentage point decrease in clean energy’s contribution compared to 2021. This slowdown raises concerns about Mexico’s competitiveness, especially as the global demand for clean and reliable energy intensifies.
Electricity Generation Trends (2017-2022)
According to data from the National Center for Energy Control (CENACE), Mexico’s total electricity generation grew by 10.3% between 2017 and 2022, reaching 333.8 Terawatt-hours (TWh). This increase was almost entirely attributed to clean energy technologies.
While fossil fuel-based generation saw a marginal 1.1% increase (from 244 to 246.6 TWh), clean energy generation surged by 48.4% (from 58.7 to 87.2 TWh). Despite this overall positive trend, 2022 witnessed a concerning 1.8% decline in clean energy generation compared to 2021, primarily due to reduced wind and solar photovoltaic output.
Main renewable technologies in Mexico's energy matrix
Renewable Energy Supply Evolution
Of the six clean energy technologies tracked by CENACE (biomass, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, and solar photovoltaic), only nuclear and geothermal experienced a decline in generation between 2017 and 2022. Hydroelectric power saw a 12.3% increase, while solar photovoltaic experienced explosive growth of 4,595%.
Variable renewable energy sources, specifically solar and wind, demonstrated the highest growth rates. However, both experienced setbacks in 2022, with wind generation decreasing by 3.6% and solar by 4.6% compared to 2021. This highlights the intermittent nature of these sources and the need for complementary strategies, such as energy storage.
Wind and solar energy generation during 2022 in Mexico
Conventional Energy Supply Evolution
Conventional electricity generation using fossil fuels grew by a modest 1.1% between 2017 and 2022. While combined cycle and gas turbine generation increased, conventional thermal power plants experienced a significant 52.2% decline. Coal-fired power generation also saw a substantial reduction of 50.5%.
Conclusion: “Cómo va México?” – A Mixed Bag
Mexico has made significant strides in clean energy adoption. However, the stagnation observed in 2022 underscores the need for continued investment and policy support to maintain momentum. The question “Cómo Va México?”—how’s Mexico doing?—in the clean energy transition yields a complex answer. While progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring consistent growth and achieving long-term energy sustainability. Accelerating the deployment of low-emission technologies is crucial for Mexico to remain competitive in a global landscape increasingly prioritizing clean energy.
