Over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, Alabama's electricity consumption relied significantly on fossil energy sources, which constituted a little more than 60% of the state's electricity mix. Natural gas played a dominant role among fossil fuels, accounting for nearly half of the total energy consumed. Coal, although a traditional energy source in Alabama, contributed to about 15% of the total electricity used. On the brighter side, low-carbon energy sources made up close to 39% of Alabama's electricity, with nuclear power being the main contributor, supplying almost 30%. Other low-carbon sources included hydropower and biofuels, providing around 6% and just over 2% respectively. The reliance on fossil energy emphasizes a need for Alabama to transition towards cleaner electricity solutions to address environmental concerns and ensure sustainable energy consumption.
Is Electricity Growing in Alabama?
Electricity consumption in Alabama is experiencing a worrying trend of decline, which is evident when comparing the latest data with historical records. As of 2025, the total electricity consumption has decreased to 27,748 kWh per person, a significant drop of nearly 5,000 kWh from the previous peak in 2011. Similarly, clean electricity generation has also seen a decline, with the latest figure at 10,779 kWh per person, showing a reduction of almost 1,400 kWh from the 2021 low-carbon record. This decrease in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, especially considering the pressing need for energy growth to accommodate the increase in demand driven by technological advancements and the push towards electrification.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation in Alabama, expanding existing nuclear infrastructure is a practical step, given its current contribution to the state’s clean energy portfolio. Additionally, drawing inspiration from successful regions can help Alabama enhance its clean energy landscape. For instance, South Carolina and Illinois have achieved significant success with nuclear energy, generating over half of their electricity from this low-carbon source. Alabama could also learn from sunny regions like Nevada and Greece, where solar energy contributes significantly to the electricity mix, with around 29% and 26% respectively. By focusing on such successful strategies, Alabama can increase its low-carbon electricity share, leading to a more sustainable and secure energy future.
History
Historically, Alabama's journey with low-carbon electricity has been marked by fluctuations, particularly in nuclear and hydropower generation. In the early 21st century, hydropower saw significant variations with declines in 2006, 2007, and 2010, and notable recoveries in 2008, 2009, and 2013. The nuclear sector also experienced its ups and downs; the late 2000s saw growth with increases in 2007 and 2008, while some declines around 2016 and 2022 raised concerns. Yet, positive strides are evident as well, with notable nuclear electricity advancements in 2017, 2019, and most recently in 2023. Such historical data underscores the potential for Alabama to strengthen its commitment to low-carbon electricity by stabilizing and expanding its current resources, paving the way for a sustainable energy landscape in the forthcoming decades.