Power plant using fossil fuels comprise the overwhelming majority of Mexico’s electricity generation. In the past, petroleum products were the leading fuels but the use of natural gas for electricity generation has risen significantly in recent years.  Coal consumption has also risen in recent years. Mexico’s single nuclear power plant, Laguna Verde, is located in Veracruz.

The largest hydroelectric plant in the country is the 2.4GW Manuel Moreno Torres, at Chicoasén dam in Chiapas. Non-hydro renewables represented just 3% of Mexico’s electricity generation in 2013-2014, the most significant of which is currently geothermal, including the 645MW Cerro Pietro plant in Baja California, followed by biomass and waste combusted in fossil fuel power plant.  At present, there is relatively little solar generation in Mexico, while several wind projects are in development in Baja California.

The geography of Baja California leaves the area somewhat disconnected from the wider Mexican market.  Beyond regional consumption, demand opportunities are geographically closer in California. The electricity system is connected to the US Western System Council Coordinator (WSCC) via two 230kW connections in Tijuana and Mexicali. Two private companies currently generate electricity for both the local and Californian markets.