Over the last twelve months, from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Minnesota has revealed a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources. Over 46% of the state’s electricity came from low-carbon sources, showcasing a commendable shift towards cleaner energy. Among these, wind energy held a prominent share at over 22%, followed by nuclear energy, which provided nearly 18% of the electricity. Solar, biofuels, and hydropower contributed smaller, yet vital portions to the low-carbon mix, markedly emphasizing Minnesota’s commitment to reducing its fossil energy dependency, which currently stands at almost 39%. Notably, natural gas and coal supplied nearly equal shares of electricity at close to 20% each, while electricity imported from external sources made up around 14%.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Minnesota?
Despite the substantial share of low-carbon electricity, Minnesota's overall electricity consumption reflects a decline compared to historic peaks. The current average electricity usage is just under 11,943 kWh per person, a noticeable drop from its peak of 13,801 kWh per person in 2008. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person has decreased from its record-high in 2022, with current figures at 5,560 kWh per person, compared to 5,912 kWh per person previously. These reductions in electricity consumption and low-carbon generation could be concerning, especially as the demand for electricity grows due to technological and societal changes emphasizing clean energy use.
Suggestions
To foster growth in low-carbon electricity, Minnesota should look towards expanding its successful wind and nuclear generation capabilities. Successful regions like Iowa and South Dakota have capitalized on their wind potential, with wind contributing up to 60% and 57% of their electricity, respectively. Similarly, states like Illinois and New Hampshire have demonstrated significant nuclear energy generation, providing over half of their electricity. Lessons from these regions suggest that a strategic emphasis on expanding nuclear and wind capacities could significantly elevate Minnesota's clean energy generation. Furthermore, solar energy represents another promising avenue, as highlighted by regions such as Nevada and Lebanon, where solar accounts for nearly a third of their electricity.
History
From 2005 onwards, Minnesota experienced notable advancements in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily driven by wind and nuclear energy developments. In the late 2000s, wind expansion added a considerable amount to the state’s electricity supply, underscored by a balance of increases and decreases in nuclear capacity. The early 2010s saw continued wind growth complemented by fluctuations in nuclear generation, which sometimes experienced declines. Despite this, periods like 2014 and 2016 saw significant boosts in nuclear contributions. Recent trends, however, highlight challenges, particularly a notable dip in nuclear capacity in 2023 contrasted by a slight increase in solar energy in 2025, signaling a critical need for consistent growth in clean energy infrastructure to maintain and expand Minnesota’s low-carbon electricity success story.
