In Iowa, the state of electricity consumption over the past year—from July 2025 through June 2026—reflects a significant reliance on low-carbon energy, with a strong emphasis on wind energy. Low-carbon energy sources comprised more than 60% of total electricity, indicating Iowa's commitment to clean energy. Within this category, wind was the predominant source, contributing an impressive 57%, while solar and hydropower collectively added roughly 4%. Meanwhile, fossil fuel-derived electricity made up more than a third of the total, with coal at about 27% and gas at slightly over 11%. These figures suggest a notable preference toward clean and sustainable sources, albeit with a substantial remaining dependency on fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Iowa?

It appears that electricity consumption in Iowa is experiencing a growth phase, which is a promising sign for future development and sustainability. The latest figure stands at 23,384 kWh per person, marking an increase of 353 kWh from 2025, which set the previous record. Concurrently, low-carbon electricity generation has also reached a new peak at 14,486 kWh per person, surpassing the prior record by 34 kWh. This upward trend in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption aligns with Iowa's path toward cleaner energy and demonstrates an encouraging progression in meeting rising demand through more sustainable means.

Suggestions

To further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Iowa could reinforce its wind energy initiatives, given their already considerable contribution to the state's energy mix. Drawing inspiration from regions excelling in low-carbon sources could also be beneficial. For instance, France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes a significant portion of energy generation, showcase the potential of integrating nuclear as a stable, low-carbon base load. Simultaneously, Iowa can look at regions like Nebraska, where solar initiatives are gaining momentum, to expand its solar power capacity. By combining the strengths of both wind and nuclear energy, along with targeted solar adoption, Iowa can continue to enhance its clean electricity portfolio.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Iowa over recent years has shown both progress and setbacks. In 2024, wind energy experienced notable growth with an increase of 2.8 TWh, supplemented by a minor rise in hydroelectric power. However, 2025 observed a slight decline in wind production by 0.5 TWh, with no change in hydro and biofuels outputs. In 2026, hydro picked up by 0.3 TWh, while wind saw a marginal decline by 0.2 TWh. While growth in wind energy has been a dominant contributor to Iowa's electricity generation, the fluctuations highlight the importance of diversified green energy solutions to ensure consistent and reliable low-carbon energy supply. Emphasizing diversifying energy sources, particularly by incorporating nuclear and expanding solar, can secure a stable growth trajectory in the coming years.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.