In Mississippi, electricity consumption in 2024 continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters being generated from gas, which constitutes nearly 77% of the electricity mix. Coal adds another 4.5%, making the overall share of fossil energy over 81%. On the greener side, low-carbon sources contribute almost 19% to the electricity supply. The state primarily relies on nuclear power for its clean energy, which accounts for about 14% of the total electricity consumption, while solar and biofuels add approximate shares of 2% and 1.7% respectively. This shows that while clean energy efforts are underway, there's substantial room for growth to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Mississippi?
Electricity consumption in Mississippi is indeed on the rise. The 2024 data show an average consumption of 25,270 kWh per person, an increase of 489 kWh per person over the previous peak recorded in 2023. This growth mirrors the increase in low-carbon electricity usage, which went up by 40 kWh per person during the same period. Nevertheless, the rising figures for both overall and clean electricity consumption underscore the necessity of embracing sustainable sources at a faster pace to support the growing demand and to move towards cleaner and more efficient energy use.
Suggestions
For Mississippi to elevate its low-carbon electricity generation, focusing on expanding existing nuclear capabilities and exploiting its solar potential would be highly beneficial. Learning from successful regions could accelerate this process. France, with its 68% dependency on nuclear energy, and New Hampshire, where over half of the electricity comes from nuclear, provide excellent models for nuclear expansion. On the solar front, Nevada and Lebanon have effectively leveraged this resource to produce 27% and 31% of their electricity, respectively. Adopting such strategies, Mississippi can significantly amplify its clean electricity output and further mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels on the environment.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Mississippi over recent decades demonstrates some fluctuating yet promising trends, particularly with nuclear energy. In the late 2000s, nuclear generation in the state had varied, with notable increases in 2009 and 2013, followed by periods of decline. However, in 2021, nuclear energy recorded an impressive increase of 5.3 TWh. While the year 2024 saw a slight drop of 1.1 TWh, the introduction of solar energy in 2018 and its significant growth in 2024 with an additional 0.9 TWh highlight a dynamic shift towards more sustainable electricity sources. This narrative underscores the state's potential to achieve an even cleaner energy future by building on this momentum.