In 2024, electricity consumption in Louisiana remains largely dependent on fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters of the state's electricity generated from these sources. Natural gas alone accounts for nearly three-quarters of the electricity produced, while coal contributes a small fraction. Low-carbon or clean energy, which includes nuclear, biofuels, and solar power, provides close to a fifth of the electricity. Nuclear power is by far the dominant player within this category, accounting for a significant portion, while the rest is covered by solar and biofuels. Net imports contribute the remainder of electricity consumption in the region, making up a small fraction.
Is Electricity Growing in Louisiana?
Louisiana's overall electricity consumption appears to have experienced a slight decline. The recent per capita consumption is a little more than 22,500 kWh, revealing a decrease of over 500 kWh per person since the previous record set in 2015. Low-carbon electricity generation per capita has also seen a decline, with about 4,035 kWh generated per person, which is less than the 2010 record. This backward movement is concerning because the state should be seeking to elevate its clean electricity output to contribute to mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and stimulating economic growth through innovation and electrification.
Suggestions
To raise its share of low-carbon energy, Louisiana could focus on expanding its existing nuclear capabilities, as nuclear power is a highly efficient and reliable form of clean energy. By looking at successful examples around the world, the state can draw inspiration from nuclear-heavy countries like France, Slovakia, and South Carolina in the US, where nuclear makes up a significant portion of the electricity mix. Similarly, solar energy has immense potential and could be further developed, learning lessons from places like California and Chile, where solar plays a substantial role. By adopting best practices in expanding both nuclear and solar energy, Louisiana can set itself on a path toward a more sustainable and resilient electricity grid.
History
Historically, Louisiana's low-carbon electricity generation has been primarily led by nuclear power, but it has faced fluctuations over the years. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the state experienced several ups and downs in nuclear generation, with notable reductions in some years offset by increases in others. The most recent decade saw a significant reduction in nuclear output in certain years. However, the state has recently begun to turn a positive corner with an increase in nuclear generation in 2024. Additionally, the latest year saw a positive contribution from solar, marking a small but hopeful step towards diversifying the clean energy mix. These changes suggest an opportunity for substantial growth if the state commits to building on these advancements.