Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Nevada has shown a notable distribution between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. More than half of Nevada's electricity, approximately 56%, still comes from fossil sources, with natural gas making up the majority at around 51%. Coal contributes a smaller portion, at just over 5%. On the side of clean energy, low-carbon electricity sources account for over 44% of Nevada's electricity generation, with solar leading at 30%, followed by geothermal at about 8%, and hydropower contributing almost 5%. This indicates a significant reliance on low-carbon energy, showcasing Nevada's ongoing transition toward more sustainable electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nevada?
Despite this encouraging shift toward cleaner sources, Nevada's overall electricity consumption indicates room for growth. The state's latest average electricity consumption per person stands at 13,779 kWh, which is notably lower than the previous peak of 16,534 kWh recorded in 2005, marking a decrease of approximately 2,755 kWh per person. However, there has been a promising increase in low-carbon electricity generation, with a new record of 6,073 kWh per person in 2025, up from the previous year's 5,606 kWh. This increase of 467 kWh per person underlines a positive trend in sustainable electricity development, although the decrease in overall consumption signals a need for increased electricity generation to support growing future demands.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Nevada can focus on expanding its already strong solar capacity, leveraging its sunny climate to further increase output. Learning from regions that successfully harness low-carbon energy can provide valuable insights. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia excel in nuclear energy generation, producing well above 60% from this clean source. Within the United States, states such as Iowa and South Dakota have harnessed wind energy effectively, boasting over 55% from this source. Nevada could significantly benefit from developing a more diversified clean energy portfolio by considering investments in nuclear energy, taking cues from states like New Hampshire and South Carolina, where nuclear accounts for over half of their electricity generation.
History
Nevada's journey toward increased low-carbon electricity generation has been marked by steady progress over the years. In the early 2010s, geothermal energy gained traction, with incremental increases evident in 2010 and 2013. The state experienced substantial growth in solar energy, particularly in the mid-2010s, highlighted by a remarkable increase in 2016, followed by consistent growth in subsequent years. While hydroelectric power faced fluctuations, such as the decline in 2016, it also saw periods of growth, including a rebound in 2025. Nevada's ongoing commitment to solar development, evidenced by strong growth in 2024 and 2025, positions it well for future advancements in clean electricity. To meet the growing demand and leverage the environmental benefits of low-carbon energy, Nevada should continue to explore opportunities for expanding its solar and nuclear capabilities.
