Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Iowa has successfully maintained a significant share of its electricity consumption from low-carbon sources. Clean energy contributes almost two-thirds of Iowa's total electricity, with wind power alone accounting for most of it—nearly 60%. Solar and hydropower make up smaller portions, contributing roughly 2% and 1% respectively. However, fossil fuels still play a notable role in Iowa's energy mix, supplying a little over a third of the electricity, with coal and gas as the primary contributors at about 24% and 12%, respectively. As Iowa continues to navigate its energy landscape, the overwhelming reliance on wind power positions it as a leading state in deploying low-carbon energy, although the inclusion of nuclear energy could greatly enhance its clean energy portfolio further.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Iowa?
Despite Iowa's impressive use of low-carbon electricity, the growth in its overall electricity consumption seems to have slowed down recently. The latest data from 2025 indicates that electricity consumption per person stands at 22,718 kWh, which is slightly lower than the all-time high of 22,883 kWh per person set in 2022. This means consumption per person decreased by 165 kWh. Moreover, low-carbon electricity consumption has also declined from its previous apex of 14,888 kWh per person in 2022 to 14,519 kWh, marking a reduction of 370 kWh. This stagnation is concerning, especially at a time when increasing clean electricity is crucial to combat climate change and accommodate the growing energy needs from technological advancements.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Iowa should prioritize the expansion of its wind power capabilities, given its current success with this technology. Additionally, Iowa could learn from the experiences of regions like Illinois and New Hampshire, where nuclear energy represents a significant share of electricity generation. Illinois, for example, derives more than half of its electricity from nuclear energy, while New Hampshire achieves a similar performance. Looking at regions like Nevada and New Mexico, which have capitalized on solar power, Iowa can explore further investments in solar technologies as well. By diversifying its clean energy sources to include nuclear and solar alongside wind, Iowa could achieve robust and sustainable energy growth.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Iowa, the state has seen positive progress over the years, particularly with wind energy. The developments in the late 2000s and 2010s marked significant improvements, with wind energy contributions increasing year over year. The largest annual gains were observed in 2019 and 2020, with 5 TWh and 7.9 TWh increases, respectively. However, 2023 saw a setback with a decline of 4.3 TWh, which serves as a reminder of the potential volatility in relying solely on one energy source. Concurrently, nuclear energy has experienced fluctuations, notably with a decline in 2020 that warrants a proactive strategy for stable growth. Increasing investments in a balanced mix of clean energy sources, driven by evidence-based policies, will be essential in shaping a resilient and thriving low-carbon economy for Iowa.
