Currently, Indiana relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity, with coal and natural gas accounting for more than three-quarters of total electricity generation over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025. Coal remains a significant contributor, generating slightly over 41%, while gas contributes close to 35%. Low-carbon or clean energy sources make up approximately 15% of Indiana's electricity. Wind power represents the majority of this clean energy generation with about 9%, while solar energy, including utility-scale solar, supplies around 5%. Net imports cover around 7%, leaving room for improvement in Indiana's self-sufficient clean energy generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Indiana?
Electricity consumption in Indiana has seen a notable decline from historical highs. The most recent data indicates that 2025 electricity consumption is about 16,299 kWh per person, which is significantly lower compared to the peak of 20,764 kWh per person in 2005—a decrease of 4,465 units. In contrast, there is a promising rise in low-carbon electricity, which has reached 2,422 kWh per person, marking an increase of 350 units from the previous year's record. These figures indicate that although total electricity usage has decreased, there is a growing trend towards low-carbon energy, which is crucial for sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Indiana can draw inspiration from other regions that have effectively incorporated solar and nuclear power into their energy mix. France and Illinois serve as exemplary models, with nuclear power contributing significantly to their electricity generation—70% and 51%, respectively. Similarly, sunny states like California have embraced solar energy, generating close to 29% from this source. Indiana can benefit from investing in both nuclear and solar energy infrastructure to increase its share of clean energy production, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and address environmental challenges such as climate change and air pollution linked to high fossil fuel consumption.
History
Historically, Indiana’s journey towards low-carbon electricity has witnessed periods of growth, particularly in wind energy. In the late 2000s, the state saw a boost, notably between 2009 and 2010, when wind energy grew by almost 2 TWh. The following decade was marked by consistent developments with significant contributions in 2015 and 2021, demonstrating the state's commitment to expanding its wind capacity. However, the recent decline of 1.1 TWh in 2023 highlights the importance of continued investment in clean energy sources. Meanwhile, biofuels showed minor fluctuations, and hydropower made minimal changes, underscoring the need for Indiana to focus on more reliable and scalable sources like wind, solar, and nuclear to ensure a sustainable energy future.
