Over the last 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Missouri's electricity consumption has relied heavily on fossil fuels, with more than half coming from coal at approximately 51%, and gas contributing a smaller portion at about 11%. Low-carbon sources, accounting for close to 19%, include nuclear energy at almost 9%, wind power at around 8%, and solar and hydropower contributing just over a single percentage point each. Notably, the state also imports close to 18% of its electricity. The balance between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources clearly indicates significant room for growth in cleaner energy solutions to ensure a more sustainable future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?
In terms of electricity consumption trends in Missouri, recent figures indicate a decline. The latest data shows electricity consumption of about 13,400 kWh per person, which is a noticeable drop of almost 2,400 kWh compared to the 2011 peak of about 15,800 kWh per person. This downtrend is also seen in low-carbon electricity, which decreased by 410 kWh per person from the 2024 high of 3,010 kWh. These reductions are concerning, suggesting that Missouri needs to ramp up its efforts to increase low-carbon electricity generation, both to meet current needs and to support future growth in demand due to advancements like electrification and AI adoption.
Suggestions
Missouri can look to other regions for inspiration on boosting low-carbon electricity generation. Given its existing infrastructure and potential, expanding both wind and nuclear power would be prudent. For instance, neighboring state Iowa generates a substantial portion of its electricity from wind, approximately 60%, providing a model that Missouri could emulate. On the nuclear front, Illinois provides an excellent example, with nuclear energy meeting more than half of its electricity needs. By expanding these green technologies, Missouri can enhance its energy security while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Missouri highlights both progress and setbacks. In the 2000s, there were notable increases in nuclear and hydroelectric generation, such as the rise in nuclear energy by 2.1 TWh in 2006 and hydropower increasing by 1.3 TWh in 2007. However, subsequent years have seen significant fluctuations, particularly in nuclear generation. From 2010 onward, nuclear output saw several declines, with a major reduction of 3.4 TWh in 2021, contrasting with the positive development that same year when wind energy grew by 3.2 TWh. Recent years have seen some recovery, with nuclear energy again rising by 1.3 TWh in 2024, though 2025 experienced a deeper decline. These trends underscore Missouri’s need to focus on stable and consistent growth in low-carbon electricity output, with a strong emphasis on reliable and clean sources like nuclear and expanding wind capacity.
