The industrial sector is one of the pillars of Mexico’s economic development—and also one of the largest consumers of energy. According to the Ministry of Energy (Sener), in 2023 this sector accounted for 23.32% of the country’s total final energy consumption, making it the second-largest user, only behind transportation.
As nearshoring and industrial relocation continue to drive demand for industrial parks in northern Mexico and the Bajío, understanding which energy sources fuel operations—and how they affect competitiveness, sustainability, and investment attraction—is becoming increasingly important.
Main Energy Sources in Mexico’s Industrial Sector
1. Electricity (32.70%)
Electricity is the most widely used energy source in Mexican industry. Its versatility makes it essential for manufacturing, automation, lighting, and specialized machinery. In addition, more companies are shifting toward renewable electricity as part of their ESG and sustainability strategies.
2. Dry Natural Gas (31.93%)
Dry natural gas is highly demanded by industries that require intensive heat, such as metallurgy, chemicals, food, and beverages. Its use is growing in states like Nuevo León, Querétaro, and the State of Mexico, where major manufacturing clusters are located.
3. Coal and Petroleum Coke (14.84%)
Although declining due to environmental concerns, these fuels remain relevant in heavy industries that require high temperatures or large-scale energy consumption.
4. Petroleum Products (9.22%)
This category includes gasoline, diesel, naphtha, liquefied gas, kerosene, and fuel oil. They are commonly used in mobile equipment, thermal generation plants, or as backup power in areas with limited electricity infrastructure.
5. Mineral Coal (7.29%)
Coal has lost ground but is still used in heavy industries and southern regions where natural gas infrastructure is limited.
6. Sugarcane Bagasse (3.90%)
This biofuel, produced from agricultural waste, plays an important role in the sugar industry, particularly in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Tabasco.
7. Solar Energy (0.12%)
Although still minimal, solar power is gaining momentum in new industrial parks that adopt distributed generation systems or PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements).
Energy and Industrial Competitiveness
The energy mix of Mexico’s industrial sector highlights both its strengths and its infrastructure challenges. While some regions are moving toward electrification and renewable energy adoption, others still rely heavily on fossil fuels.
For companies seeking to expand into Mexico, energy availability and costs are decisive factors when choosing a location. States that can provide reliable natural gas, stable electricity supply, and clean energy options have a significant competitive edge.
At Datoz, we provide specialized consulting to help you make data-driven decisions about industrial site selection. With detailed analysis of energy availability by region, market dynamics, and nearshoring trends, we support your growth strategy in Mexico’s industrial sector.
