In Arkansas, as of 2025, electricity consumption shows a diverse mix of sources. Fossil fuels still dominate, contributing more than 60% of the state's electricity, split between gas, which provides roughly a third, and coal, which supplies about 30%. On the greener side, low-carbon electricity accounts for almost 37% of the total. Nuclear energy plays a significant role within this low-carbon segment, supplying about 23% of the electricity, making it the largest clean energy contributor. Solar energy, including both utility-scale and smaller installations, contributes almost 8%, while hydropower and biofuels add nearly 5% and a little over 1%, respectively. The slow but continuous rise in low-carbon energy highlights a shift towards a more sustainable future in Arkansas, though fossil-based electricity still predominates.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arkansas?
Electricity consumption per person in Arkansas has increased, marking a growth trend in recent years. In 2025, individuals consumed an average of 21,619 kWh of electricity, surpassing the previous peak recorded in 2023 by 901 kWh. This growth reflects an expanding demand for electricity, critical for economic development and technological advancements. The rise in low-carbon electricity per person is also noteworthy, as it increased by 956 kWh from 2024 to 2025. This surge in clean energy indicates a positive trajectory toward addressing climate change and reducing pollution.
Suggestions
To bolster Arkansas's low-carbon electricity generation, expanding nuclear power is essential, given its significant contribution and reliability. Observing successful regions, Arkansas could draw inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes around two-thirds of electricity generation, showcasing the potential for a robust nuclear infrastructure. Additionally, Arkansas can learn from states like New Mexico and Nevada, where solar energy comprises a substantial portion of the energy mix. Emulating the strategic expansion of nuclear and solar capacity seen in these regions could help Arkansas achieve a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The historical trends of low-carbon electricity generation in Arkansas reveal a pattern of growth with some fluctuations. In 2024, nuclear generation saw a slight decrease of 0.2 TWh, alongside a minimal reduction in hydropower. However, biofuels offset this by experiencing a small increase. Moving into 2025, there was a notable improvement with nuclear generation increasing by 0.4 TWh and modest gains in both hydropower and biofuels of 0.1 TWh each. These developments mark a renewed momentum in clean energy output, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and enhancing nuclear and solar capabilities to ensure sustained growth in low-carbon electricity generation for Arkansas.
