Currently, the state of electricity consumption in Louisiana over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, is highly dependent on fossil fuels, which make up a significant portion of the state's electricity generation. More than three-quarters of the electricity is produced from fossil energy sources, with natural gas alone contributing nearly 70%. Low-carbon energy sources are making strides with 18% of the mix, primarily driven by nuclear power, which, at over 14%, is the largest clean energy contributor. However, cleaner energy technologies like biofuels and solar account for smaller shares, with biofuels and solar each providing around 2% or less. Net imports form a modest part of the makeup, accounting for just over 6%. Unfortunately, coal remains a minor yet present contributor, making up a little over 4% of the electricity mix.
Is Electricity Growing in Louisiana?
When considering growth in electricity consumption, especially focusing on clean electricity in Louisiana, the picture is somewhat mixed. The state's electricity consumption reached a new peak in 2025, with individuals using 23,240 kWh on average, a slight increase from the previous record set a decade ago. Yet, while overall electricity consumption has increased, the generation of low-carbon electricity specifically has not kept pace. The latest figures show that each person consumes about 4,237 kWh from low-carbon sources, which is a decrease from the previous record set in 2010. The reduction of 651 kWh per person in clean electricity consumption is concerning, as it hints at a failure to enhance or maintain low-carbon energy production alongside overall electricity growth.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Louisiana, focusing on expanding the state’s existing nuclear infrastructure is a logical step forward. Nuclear power is already providing a considerable share of the low-carbon mix and has room for growth given its reliability and sustainability. Louisiana can take inspiration from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power forms a substantial 69% and 64% of their electricity generation, respectively. Solar power, too, should be expanded, with states like Nevada achieving impressive solar shares just shy of one-third. Given the ample sunlight Louisiana receives, there is significant potential for growth in the solar sector, enhancing the state's clean energy frontier. Learning from regions where low-carbon technologies dominate can position Louisiana as a leader in reducing emissions and supporting sustainable electricity growth.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Louisiana, particularly in the nuclear domain, there have been periods of fluctuation. In the early 2000s and the following decade, nuclear generation witnessed both significant gains and concerning declines, with notable reductions occurring in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2015, and especially 2019. Thankfully, some recovery was seen with increases in the following years, such as 2020 and recently in 2024 with solar additions. Despite these fluctuations, especially the troubling declines in nuclear output, 2024 marks a promising advance with nuclear and solar showing positive growth. It is crucial for Louisiana to capitalize on this momentum, reinforcing and expanding its nuclear capacity alongside solar investments to ensure a stable and sustainable low-carbon electricity future.