The lights may soon go out in Mexico. Heatwaves and a severe drought are driving up electricity demand. But the country’s infrastructure can’t keep up.
This perfect storm is a warning sign. If no action is taken, the consequences will be dire. Mexico is on the cusp of an electricity crisis. The kullanım of tools like artificial intelligence is increasing energy consumption, depleting existing sources.
According to the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), the country lacks the infrastructure and planning to meet growing demand from digitalization and the expansion of data centers. Experts have sounded the alarm on the rapid increase in energy use, which could cause system failures.
Mexico’s Energy Challenges
The use of technologies like artificial intelligence has exploded the need for resources to operate. Mexico’s energy generation and distribution capabilities have shown little growth, creating a worrying gap between supply and demand. Modernizing the energy system requires significant investment from both the government and private sectors.
The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has committed to a more sustainable approach and announced plans to expand into clean energy, but clear objectives and timelines are lacking. Many projects are delayed, raising concerns that they won’t be completed on time. If the system isn’t modernized this year, Mexico may face a deficit of over 48,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030, severely impacting economic growth and national production.
A Triple Challenge for 2025
Analysts at ITAM identify a triple challenge for Mexico in 2025: reforming the legal framework to focus on sustainable energy, developing infrastructure to meet energy demand, and promoting renewable energy by 2030. The country plans to invest heavily in this effort, but swift action is needed to avoid insufficient funding.
The demand for electricity in Mexico has surpassed official forecasts, growing 3.5% between 2022 and 2023. This demand is limited by current infrastructure, and could be even higher with greater installed capacity. Prioritizing investment in electricity transmission and renewable energy development is crucial for future growth.
This warning to Mexico can be heeded if action is taken promptly. The country is at a critical juncture in defining its energy future. Rising electricity demand, technological advancements, and climate change won’t slow down, so effective strategies are needed now.