Over the past year, stretching from September 2024 to August 2025, North Carolina's electricity generation landscape has been characterized by a significant mix of fossil and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels dominate with a little more than half of the electricity, about 48%, coming primarily from gas and coal. Gas alone contributes more than a third, while coal accounts for about 11% of total electricity generation. Clean, low-carbon sources make up much of the remainder, with nuclear energy leading at roughly 28% and solar adding nearly 9%. Hydropower, although small in comparison, contributes about 3% of the state's electricity. The importation of electricity also plays a role, accounting for about 10% of the total electricity supply, indicating a reliance on external sources to meet demand.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Carolina?
Electricity consumption in North Carolina is showing signs of reduction, with the 2025 electricity use per person at 13,619 kWh, which is a decrease of 2,874 kWh from the peak in 2004. This decline in electricity usage suggests a downward trend that may reflect improvements in energy efficiency or changes in industrial structures. When looking specifically at low-carbon electricity, the per capita figure stands at 5,703 kWh, which is 224 kWh less than the record set in 2020. The decrease in low-carbon generation raises concerns due to the need to combat climate change and support ongoing electrification efforts. This decrease is particularly concerning because it happens as we need more sustainable solutions in the face of climate change and as we aim to increase low-carbon energy sources.
Suggestions
In order to bolster low-carbon electricity generation and transition away from fossil fuels, North Carolina can capitalize on its existing nuclear capabilities, which already make a significant contribution to the energy mix. Expanding nuclear energy infrastructure could substantially increase the state's clean energy output. North Carolina can also learn from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy makes up more than 65% of the electricity share, demonstrating a strong commitment to low-carbon sources. On the solar front, lessons can be drawn from states like Nevada and California, where solar constitutes more than a third and almost a third of the electricity, respectively. Incorporating insights from these successful regions could lead North Carolina to a more sustainable energy future by fostering both nuclear and solar energy generation.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in North Carolina shows fluctuating trends and some progress in recent decades. In the early 2000s, hydroelectric power saw significant volatility, with notable declines in 2006 and 2011, followed by increases in 2009 and 2013. However, since then, hydropower has faced further reductions, including recent decreases in 2021 and 2022. The same period witnessed the gradual expansion of solar power. Solar energy has steadily increased since 2016, with notable yearly additions, becoming an important part of the clean electricity mix. In terms of nuclear power, North Carolina made positive strides with an increase in 2009 and again in 2015 and 2024. These efforts highlight the potential for strengthening low-carbon electricity production, focusing especially on the growth capacities of solar and nuclear energy, solidifying North Carolina's commitment to a green energy future.
