In the period from June 2024 to May 2025, Nevada's electricity consumption demonstrated a diverse mix of energy sources. More than half of the electricity consumed in the state, amounting to approximately 58%, was derived from fossil fuels, with natural gas being the dominant source within this category at 52%. Coal contributed a smaller share, accounting for about 5% of the total electricity. On the low-carbon front, 43% of the electricity was generated from clean sources. Solar energy was a significant contributor in this category, making up nearly 29% of the total, making it a key player in the state's electricity mix. Geothermal energy and hydropower provided additional clean energy options, contributing 8% and 4%, respectively. This indicates a strong presence of clean energy, yet there remains a considerable reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Nevada?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption, it is evident that Nevada is experiencing an overall decline in per capita electricity use compared to historical highs. In 2025, each person consumed about 13,886 kWh, a notable decrease from the 16,534 kWh consumed per person in 2005, indicating a reduction of 2,648 kWh per person. However, on a positive note, there has been a recent increase in low-carbon electricity generation, reaching a record 5,932 kWh per person in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s record by 331 kWh per person. This shift suggests a promising trend towards cleaner energy, although the total electricity consumption is not growing, which poses challenges in meeting future demand, especially with the anticipated electrification of various sectors.
Suggestions
To further advance low-carbon electricity generation, Nevada could benefit from expanding its already substantial solar energy base. Learning from regions with successful low-carbon frameworks can offer valuable insights. For instance, states like Arizona, which attributes 28% of its electricity to nuclear energy, and states with prominent wind energy generation such as Colorado, with 29%, highlight the potential of investing in both solar and other scalable clean energy technologies like nuclear and wind. Additionally, looking towards countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes a significant share of their electricity mix at 69% and 64% respectively, could provide inspiration and guidance for Nevada to build a more robust, clean energy infrastructure.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Nevada, there has been a steady and progressive increase in solar energy output, particularly since the mid-2010s. Notably, solar saw a substantial uptick around 2015, followed by consecutive year-on-year increases, with major leaps in 2016 and 2022, where more than 1 TWh was added in each year. Geothermal power also saw gradual increases, particularly in 2013, 2015, and 2019, while hydropower displayed some fluctuations with notable rises in 2006, 2009, and 2019, but with occasional dips such as in 2016 and 2023. This historical pattern underscores Nevada's focused efforts in expanding its solar capacity, reflecting a promising trajectory toward sustainable, low-carbon electricity generation, and a move away from the environmentally damaging impacts of fossil fuels.