From June 2024 to May 2025, Maryland's electricity consumption was a mix of net imports, low-carbon, and fossil energy, with net imports making up more than 42% of the energy consumed. Low-carbon energy sources accounted for around 29%, divided primarily between nuclear power and smaller contributions from hydropower and solar. Nuclear energy was almost the largest single source of low-carbon energy, comprising nearly 24%, whereas hydropower and solar added close to none, contributing about 2% and 2%, respectively. Fossil fuels made up approximately 28% of electricity consumption, with gas being the primary fossil fuel source at close to 24%, followed by coal with a minor share of nearly 4%.
Is Electricity Growing in Maryland?
Despite a historical peak in electricity consumption in 2005 at 12,868 kWh per person, current consumption in 2025 has declined to 10,007 kWh per person, indicating a decrease of almost 3,000 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity is down from its past record in 2018, which was 3,195 kWh per person, to the present 2,913 kWh per person, a decline of almost 300 kWh per person. This downward trend in both overall consumption and low-carbon generation could be a concern for Maryland as the demand for electricity continues to rise as a result of factors such as increased electrification and AI growth.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Maryland should consider expanding its existing nuclear capacity since this clean technology already contributes significantly to the state’s energy mix. Studying successful regions can offer Maryland additional insights. For instance, France and Slovakia demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, generating 69% and 64% of their electricity from nuclear, respectively. Moreover, regions with significant solar contributions, like Nevada with 29% and California with 20%, underline the potential for expanding solar energy. By learning from these regions, Maryland can develop both its nuclear and solar energy capacities to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Maryland's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuating changes over several decades. In the early to late 2000s, nuclear power saw some increases and decreases, with the most significant decline of 0.9 TWh in 2006, followed by modest gains afterward. Hydropower also experienced ups and downs, with notable increases in 2011 and 2018, and the most significant decline of 0.9 TWh in 2012. These fluctuations reveal the importance of maintaining a consistent and committed approach to developing low-carbon energy sources to ensure a stable and growing contribution to Maryland's electricity generation.