In the last 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Illinois has seen a significant tilt towards clean energy in its electricity consumption. More than half of the electricity generated, precisely 68.41%, comes from low-carbon sources, with nuclear power alone contributing slightly over 51%. Wind energy also plays a crucial role, making up nearly 13% of the total, while solar adds around 4%. The fossil fuel contributions, meanwhile, are significantly lower, with gas and coal almost evenly splitting around 31.5% of the electricity generation. This shift towards sustainable energy sources is a positive step, reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels and aiding in the fight against climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Illinois?
Despite these advances, electricity growth in Illinois tells a more nuanced story. The latest per person electricity consumption stands at 15,292 kWh, which is slightly down from the historic peak of 15,774 kWh in 2007. This represents a decline of about 481 kWh per person. On a more positive note, low-carbon electricity generation per person has seen an improvement, reaching 10,461 kWh, up by 295 kWh from the previous record in 2024. This increase illustrates that while overall consumption might not be at its peak, Illinois is making progress in generating more electricity from clean sources, aligning well with future energy needs and sustainability goals.
Suggestions
To further bolster its clean electricity generation, Illinois could focus on expanding existing successful low-carbon technologies such as nuclear and wind. The massive output from Illinois’s nuclear facilities can be enhanced by learning from France, where nuclear energy provides 70% of electricity, setting a strong example. Wind energy can also be elevated by adopting strategies from bordering states like Iowa, which generates an impressive 60% of its electricity from wind. Additionally, Illinois should focus on exploiting solar energy potential, taking cues from regions like California and Nevada, where solar electricity contributes 29% and 33% respectively, by enhancing both utility-scale and behind-the-meter solar installations for a balanced and potent solar output.
History
Throughout the past years, Illinois has seen noticeable fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation landscape. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was a consistent rise in wind energy generation, with significant annual increases in production. During this time, nuclear energy too experienced sporadic upticks, though it faced some declines, which could have been more strategically managed. The years 2020 through 2024 were particularly notable for their robust growth in both wind and nuclear generation, highlighted by substantial increases in 2022 and 2024, which bolstered the state's clean energy portfolio substantially. These milestones set a promising precedent for continuing to elevate clean energy production and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. By building on its past successes and learning from leading regions in sustainable electricity, Illinois can secure a greener and more energy-abundant future.
