In 2025, the electricity consumption in Indiana largely relies on fossil fuels, which account for more than 80% of the total electricity generated. Coal and gas each contribute around a third of the electricity, with coal slightly more prevalent. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, including wind and solar, form roughly 16% of the electricity mix. Wind energy leads among clean sources, providing about 9%, while solar energy contributes close to 6%, with utility-scale solar making up nearly all of that share. Net electricity imports account for an additional small fraction of over 3%. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels highlights an urgent need to transition to cleaner energy options due to their negative environmental impact, such as climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Indiana?
Electricity consumption in Indiana has exhibited growth, with the latest figures indicating an increase to 16,369 kWh/person in 2025, surpassing the previous year's record by 175 kWh/person. This uptick also aligns with a marked increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which rose substantially to 2,588 kWh/person, a gain of 516 kWh compared to 2024. The expanded reliance on clean electricity is a promising development, signaling a gradual but crucial shift towards sustainable energy sources. The growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity signals that Indiana is moving in the right direction, but further steps should be taken to accelerate this transition.
Suggestions
Indiana can learn from regions that have successfully increased their low-carbon electricity shares, particularly focusing on expanding solar and nuclear energy. For instance, Illinois generates half of its electricity from nuclear power, reflecting a successful integration of nuclear into its energy grid. Similarly, states like South Carolina benefit from a robust nuclear infrastructure, contributing more than half of their electricity. Additionally, Indiana can look to states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind power accounts for nearly 60% of their electricity generation. Investing in nuclear infrastructure and expanding wind energy could provide a stable and sustainable electricity supply with zero greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, enhancing solar generation is another viable pathway for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, drawing inspiration from the success observed in states like Nevada and California where solar energy plays a significant role.
History
The past years have seen various shifts in Indiana's low-carbon electricity generation, though not all encouraging. In 2024, wind energy saw an increase of 1.5 TWh, signaling positive momentum. However, other low-carbon sources like hydro and biofuels experienced slight declines. In 2025, the situation stagnated with no further changes in wind, hydro, and biofuels generation. This stagnation is concerning given the imperative need for accelerating clean electricity growth to counter the significant fraction still occupied by fossil fuels. Overcoming this flat trend requires reinvigorated investments and policies favoring clean energy expansion, particularly focusing on the promising sectors of wind and solar, and critical development in nuclear power. By addressing these areas proactively, Indiana can aim for a cleaner, more sustainable electrical future.
