Electricity in Delaware in 2024/2025
Over the past twelve months, from June 2024 to May 2025, Delaware's electricity consumption predominantly relied on net imports, accounting for more than half of the state's total electricity at approximately 58%. Fossil fuels, mainly driven by natural gas and, to a much lesser degree, coal, comprised close to 40% of electricity generation. In terms of low-carbon or clean energy, however, there was very limited contribution, making up a mere 2%, with solar energy representing the most significant portion at just 1.45%. This low reliance on sustainable energy sources puts Delaware at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to building a cleaner energy future and addressing environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel use.
Is Electricity Growing in Delaware?
Over the years, electricity consumption in Delaware has shown a declining trend. The latest figures indicate that the electricity usage per person in 2025 was 11,371 kWh, a significant decrease of 3,745 kWh per person from the peak observed back in 2005. However, there is a glimmer of progress regarding low-carbon electricity generation. The latest figures in 2025 reveal a slight increase in low-carbon electricity production, rising to 227 kWh per person from 220 kWh per person in 2024. While the growth in low-carbon electricity is encouraging, the overall decrease in electricity usage suggests that Delaware needs to strategically plan for sustainable energy growth to meet future demands, especially given global trends in electrification.
Suggestions
To increase its share of low-carbon electricity, Delaware should consider adopting strategies from successful regions with significant renewable and nuclear energy capabilities. For instance, states like Iowa and South Dakota generate more than 60% of their electricity from wind, exemplifying how robust wind installations can greatly bolster clean energy shares. Similarly, nearby states such as New Jersey and Connecticut, which generate a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear sources, provide a roadmap for incorporating nuclear power into the grid. Given the state's geographical and economic context, a balanced expansion of solar and nuclear energy could help accelerate Delaware's transition to a cleaner electricity portfolio while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Delaware's history of low-carbon electricity generation has been relatively stagnant, with minimal contributions from biofuels and solar energy. In the timeframe since the late 2000s, the state had sporadic fluxes in biofuel generation, peaking at a modest increase of 0.1 TWh in 2008, but largely saw no significant gains nor sustained growth. Solar energy, on the other hand, did not see its first notable increase until 2023, adding just 0.1 TWh before plateauing again in 2024 and 2025. The minimal utilization of solar energy thus far indicates an unmet potential for expansion. Encouragingly, with the global drop in solar panel costs and the proven success of nuclear projects, Delaware now has ample opportunity to pivot towards these cleaner technologies, ultimately revitalizing its low-carbon electricity share whilst contributing to global emissions reduction efforts.