Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Missouri's electricity consumption reveals a dominance of fossil fuels, which account for more than half of the state's energy mix. Coal remains the main fossil fuel at around 49%, followed by net imports at 20% and gas contributing approximately 11%. On the other hand, clean energy sources are gradually making inroads, though they currently form a smaller portion of the energy pie. Low-carbon electricity accounts for nearly 20% of Missouri's energy supply. This cleaner segment includes nuclear power at nearly 9%, wind energy at about 7%, solar at slightly over 2% (the majority being utility solar), and hydropower contributing a small fraction above 1%. As the urgency to curb emissions and combat climate change increases, Missouri's current reliance on coal is cause for concern.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?
Despite the critical need for more energy to fuel future growth, electricity consumption per person in Missouri has decreased over time. The latest data from 2025 indicates that the average electricity consumption stands at 13,913 kWh per person, which is a decline from the highest-ever level of 15,783 kWh in 2011. This downward trend of 1,870 kWh per person compared to 2011 is concerning, given the backdrop of increasing global electrification needs. Even more troubling is the reduction in per capita low-carbon electricity generation, which has dropped to 2,724 kWh from the previous record of 3,129 kWh in 2024 - a disheartening decrease of 404 kWh per person. This decline highlights a missed opportunity for Missouri to enhance its sustainable energy profile and combat the harmful effects of fossil fuel reliance.
Suggestions
To accelerate low-carbon electricity generation, Missouri can draw inspiration from several states like Iowa, where wind dramatically supplies 60% of its electricity. Neighboring Kansas also utilizes wind energy to provide around 47% of its electricity. In the solar sector, states like Nevada showcase a robust model, generating 33% of its electricity from solar energy. Moreover, nuclear energy remains a potent and reliable low-carbon source, as demonstrated by France, which generates 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. Missouri should consider expanding its investments in wind, solar, and especially nuclear energy, tapping into the proven potential of these clean resources to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and meet future demands without emitting carbon pollutants.
History
Reflecting on Missouri's history with low-carbon electricity, significant changes have occurred over the years. In the late 2000s, nuclear energy saw some variations, with notable increases in 2006 and 2012. Unfortunately, the decade following 2010 witnessed several years with declining nuclear output, particularly in 2021 when nuclear power generation dropped by a concerning 3.4 TWh alongside turbulence in other low-carbon sources. However, the positive leap in 2022, with a nuclear growth of 4.6 TWh, suggested a return to strengthening Missouri's clean energy framework. But despite these gains, the most recent decline of 2.8 TWh in 2025 indicates the need for consistency in nuclear energy production. Consistent investment and expansion in low-carbon technologies are essential for Missouri to tackle carbon emissions and ensure a sustainable future for its electricity supply.
