In Iowa, the current state of electricity consumption shows a strong preference towards low-carbon energy sources, highlighting a significant commitment to cleaner energy. Over the last 12 months, from June 2024 to May 2025, more than half of the electricity in Iowa—65.3%—comes from low-carbon sources. Wind energy is the most significant contributor, making up 62.39% of electricity generation, while solar and hydropower contribute almost close to none, with each hovering around 1.3%. The remaining 34.56% of Iowa's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, primarily coal and gas, with coal accounting for just over 22% and gas covering 12%. This energy mix demonstrates Iowa's progress in embracing cleaner sources, though the reliance on coal and gas indicates there is still work to be done in reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Is Electricity Growing in Iowa?
Electricity consumption data reveals that there has been a slight decline in Iowa's electricity usage per person. In 2025, the total electricity consumption per person was 21,181 kWh, a decrease of 606 kWh compared to the previous record set in 2022, which stood at 22,787 kWh per person. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased, with the most recent figure being 14,484 kWh per person, down from the 2022 record of 14,792 kWh per person. While the decline is not dramatic, any stagnation or reduction in electricity consumption, particularly in low-carbon sources, can be of concern, especially as the need for growth in clean electricity becomes increasingly vital given the world’s electrification trends and the growth of technologies like AI.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation in Iowa, expanding the existing wind infrastructure is a smart strategy, given its current success. Furthermore, Iowa can look to incorporate solar energy by learning from regions where solar energy is a substantial contributor, such as Nevada, where solar energy covers 29% of electricity generation, and Lebanon with 31%. To diversify its clean energy portfolio, Iowa can also draw lessons from regions with substantial nuclear energy contributions, such as Illinois, where nuclear energy constitutes 52% of generation. Adopting strategies from these successful states and countries can facilitate the development of a more robust and resilient low-carbon energy infrastructure in Iowa.
History
Reflecting on Iowa's history of low-carbon electricity generation, there has been a remarkable upward trend, particularly in wind energy. From 2008 to the early 2020s, wind energy saw consistent growth, with significant increases in 2009, 2012, and particularly 2022, where there was an impressive 8.7 TWh rise. However, 2023 experienced a wind energy decline of 4.3 TWh, reminding us of the need for resilience in energy strategies. Nuclear energy has seen some fluctuations, with minor losses between 2012 and 2020, but it is crucial to focus on expanding wind and exploring the potential expansion of solar and nuclear electricity for sustainable growth. Iowa's historical trajectory underscores the potency of commitment to clean energy, but the future compels further investment and diversification in clean energy technologies.