Mexico's shift to 45% clean electricity by 2030 could save $1.6bn in gas imports annually, according to an analysis by global energy think tank Ember.

This transition is poised to reduce the nation's reliance on gas imports from the US, making it the largest buyer of US gas worldwide.

The country could see a 20% reduction in gas-fired electricity generation, from 204 terawatt-hours (TWh) last year to 163TWh in 2030, despite a projected 15% rise in electricity demand over the same period.

Mexico would need to install 36 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 10GW of onshore wind energy capacity by 2030 to meet the clean energy target of 45%.

This development is expected to create more than 434,000 direct jobs, with 419,000 in construction and over 15,000 permanent roles in operating the renewable generation plants for over two decades.

Last year, only 22% of Mexico's electricity came from renewables, which falls below the global average of 32% and the Latin American average of 62%.

In contrast, 54% of its electricity in 2024 was generated using gas imported from the US.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's announcement in October 2024 of the 45% renewable electricity generation target marks a significant policy shift towards clean energy.

Ember's report compares two scenarios from Mexico's National Electricity Sector Strategy – one with a 45% and another with a 36% clean power target by 2030.

The findings indicate that the 45% scenario would not only deliver ten times the fuel cost savings but also nearly double the job creation compared to the 36% pathway.

The report also draws attention to the success stories of Brazil and Uruguay, which have rapidly expanded their solar and wind energy sectors through streamlined planning processes.

Ember Latin America energy analyst Wilmar Suarez said: “Clean energy is a win-win. Achieving ambitious targets for solar and wind energy will allow Mexico to strengthen its energy independence, while creating multiple socio-economic benefits.”

"Mexico’s 2030 clean electricity goal to cut $1.6bn in annual gas imports" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.

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