In 2025, Alabama's electricity consumption shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with fossil sources contributing to just over 60% of the electricity used. Gas is the leading fossil energy source, constituting nearly 46%, while coal accounts for about 15% of generation. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources generate almost 40% of Alabama's electricity, with nuclear power being the dominant contributor at approximately 30% and hydropower and biofuels making up around 6% and 2%, respectively. This demonstrates a substantial, though incomplete, shift towards low-carbon electricity production in the state.

Is Electricity Growing in Alabama?

Despite efforts to ramp up clean energy sources, the recent trend in Alabama indicates a slight decline in electricity consumption per capita, which dropped to 27,408 kWh in 2025 from a previous peak in 2024 at 27,711 kWh. The trend is similarly down for low-carbon electricity, with consumption slipping from the 2023 record of 11,408 kWh per person to 10,717 kWh in 2025. The decreases, with electricity consumption down by 303 kWh and low-carbon generation decreasing by 690 kWh per person, are concerning. For a state needing sustainable growth to meet future demand, this stagnation underscores the urgent need to revisit and strengthen clean energy policies.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Alabama has an opportunity to expand its existing nuclear facilities and harness its potential for solar power. Taking inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, which produce roughly two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, Alabama can aim to elevate its clean energy statistics significantly. Similarly, lessons from states such as California and Nevada, where solar energy contributes between 30% and 34% of electricity, highlight the untapped potential for solar power deployment in Alabama. By focusing on growth in nuclear and solar technologies, Alabama can achieve a dynamic shift towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, thus combating climate change and pollution.

History

The historical data reveals some challenges Alabama has faced with its low-carbon energy strategies. In recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025, nuclear generation saw reductions of 1.1 TWh and 1.8 TWh, respectively, while biofuels saw negligible growth and hydro experienced slight declines. In periods where nuclear energy accounted for more significant portions of electricity generation, Alabama reaped the benefits of a substantial low-carbon energy share. However, continuous reductions and stagnation since 2024 in critical low-carbon energy sources, particularly nuclear, indicate a crucial need for investment and policy changes to reinvigorate these sectors and return to the path of growth, ensuring a future of sustainable energy consumption.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade