Mexico faces energy challenges for AI and data center growth

Experts and business leaders have raised concerns and identified opportunities regarding Mexico's ability to support the growing artificial intelligence (AI) sector. US congressional advisors warned Mexican senators that neither Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) nor the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) currently possesses the energy capacity required to power AI-driven data centers. Legislators noted that developing AI models would require a long-term strategic plan to address limitations in electricity and water resources.

Conversely, José Medina Mora, president of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE), suggested that Mexico has a significant opportunity to attract AI data centers near the US border. He proposed leveraging cheap gas and energy from Texas to power these facilities. Medina Mora emphasized that this growth should be paired with a strategy to develop local suppliers in the electronics and semiconductor industries to reduce current dependence on Asian imports and increase the value of Mexican exports.