In Missouri's current electricity landscape for the year 2025, more than half of the electricity generated comes from fossil fuels, with coal making up the significant majority of this at roughly 52%. Low-carbon energy sources—comprising wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower—contribute about 19% to Missouri’s electricity supply. Specifically, nuclear energy generates a little more than 8%, wind contributes 7%, and solar almost 3%, with a small fraction from hydropower. This means that while fossil fuels still dominate, there is a modest but crucial presence of low-carbon energy sources contributing to the region's electrical grid. Net imports of electricity also account for nearly 18%, highlighting both an external dependency and possible room for increasing home-grown clean energy production.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?
Electricity consumption in Missouri has seen notable growth, with the latest figure recording an impressive 14,151 kWh per person compared to the previous year's 13,285 kWh per person, marking an increase of 867 kWh per person. However, the outlook isn't entirely positive for low-carbon sources. There has been a reduction in low-carbon electricity generation, which now stands at 2,755 kWh per person compared to 2024’s figure of 3,129 kWh per person, resulting in a decrease of 374 kWh per person. This declining trend in clean energy output is disappointing, considering the pressing need for sustainable energy expansion to curb carbon emissions and future-proof energy infrastructure.
Suggestions
Missouri can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by closely studying and adopting strategies from successful regions. France and Slovakia lead with impressive nuclear energy contributions at 67% and 66%, demonstrating the sustainable reliability of nuclear power. Similarly, closer to home, Iowa and South Dakota generate nearly 58% of their electricity from wind, showing that wind energy, given the right conditions, can significantly bolster clean energy profiles. Building new nuclear plants and increasing wind capacity could dramatically elevate Missouri's low-carbon energy share. Further, learning from regions like Nevada and California, which have made substantial gains with solar, could facilitate a brighter, solar-powered future for Missouri.
History
Historically, low-carbon energy advancement in Missouri has been a mixed landscape. In 2024, the state saw positive developments with increases in both nuclear and hydropower generation, indicating a notable growth phase for clean energy. However, this progress was not sustained; 2025 marked a concerning period of decline with nuclear power generation plummeting and wind generation slightly dipping as well. Such setbacks emphasize the urgency for Missouri to not only build upon its sustainable energy foundation but to also commit to consistent expansion and innovation in nuclear and solar technologies. By addressing these challenges head-on, Missouri can strengthen its electricity sustainability and energy independence, paving the way for a robust low-carbon future.
