Over the period from June 2024 to May 2025, New Jersey's electricity generation has been fairly balanced between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon electricity, which comprises both nuclear and solar energy, accounts for just under 39% of the total electricity consumed in the state. Within this category, nuclear energy stands out as the key contributor, making up almost 36% of the total electricity, while solar contributes a smaller 2%. On the other hand, fossil fuels, mainly comprised of natural gas, constitute roughly 38% of New Jersey's electricity consumption. Additionally, the state depends on net imports for about 23% of its electricity needs, highlighting a significant reliance on external sources. This scenario underlines the critical need for New Jersey to enhance its low-carbon electricity production to reduce reliance on imports and fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?
Despite the increased focus on low-carbon energy sources in recent years, overall electricity consumption in New Jersey has not shown growth when viewed over the long term. As of 2025, the state's per capita electricity consumption is approximately 8,100 kWh, a noticeable decrease from the high of just under 10,000 kWh recorded in 2005. Similarly, the current per capita low-carbon electricity generation of about 3,200 kWh is also down from its peak of over 4,000 kWh in 2017. These declines are concerning, as they indicate that despite efforts to shift towards cleaner energy, the overall consumption, and particularly the low-carbon share, has not kept pace with past levels. The state's significant reduction in per capita low-carbon electricity generation, in particular, suggests room for growth and improvement, underscoring the urgency for New Jersey to prioritize expanding its clean energy capacity.
Suggestions
To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, New Jersey could focus on expanding its nuclear capabilities, given its already substantial contribution to the state's electricity mix. Drawing inspiration from successful regions could also guide strategic energy investments. For instance, France, where nuclear energy accounts for nearly 70% of the electricity supply, illustrates the potential of nuclear in achieving high low-carbon electricity generation. Similarly, learning from New Jersey’s neighboring state, New Hampshire, which generates 55% of its electricity from nuclear, could provide applicable insights for enhancing nuclear capacity. Additionally, the strong solar generation seen in places like Nevada, where solar accounts for nearly 30% of the electricity mix, suggests that a strategic expansion of solar infrastructure could significantly boost New Jersey's clean energy profile, while simultaneously reducing reliance on imports and fossil fuels.
History
Historically, New Jersey's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced periods of fluctuation, particularly concerning nuclear energy. In the mid-2000s, nuclear electricity generation saw significant growth, with increases especially noteworthy in 2005 and 2009. However, from 2010 onwards, the state experienced some declines in nuclear output, particularly in years like 2016 and 2019, which saw substantial reductions. Despite these setbacks, there have been periods of recovery, such as in 2017 and 2021, but the trend remains uneven. Small increments in solar energy generation since as early as 2012, while promising, have not been sufficient to counterbalance the declines in the nuclear sector. Therefore, revitalizing New Jersey's commitment to expanding nuclear and solar power holds great potential to stabilize and increase low-carbon electricity generation, fostering a more sustainable energy future for the state.