In North Carolina, electricity consumption shows a notable balance between fossil fuels and low-carbon energy sources as of 2025. Fossil fuels such as gas and coal make up almost half of the state's electricity generation, at approximately 47%. Gas alone constitutes about 35%, while coal contributes around 12%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources account for more than 40% of the electricity. Nuclear energy plays a prominent role within the low-carbon sector, providing almost 28% of the electricity, while solar power contributes nearly 9%, and hydropower adds about 3%. Net imports, which are not specified as either fossil or low-carbon, make up roughly 12% of the electricity consumed in the state.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Carolina?
The state's electricity consumption is on an upward trend, reflecting positive growth. The latest data shows total electricity consumption reaching 13,859 kWh per person in 2025, marking an increase from the previous year's record of 13,286 kWh. This significant rise of 573 kWh highlights the growing demand for electricity. Low-carbon electricity generation per person has also witnessed a small increase, reaching 5,717 kWh compared to 2024's record of 5,696 kWh. Although this growth of 21 kWh in low-carbon electricity is modest, it indicates a steady shift towards cleaner energy sources, aligning with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainability.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, North Carolina could substantially benefit from expanding its nuclear infrastructure, as this energy source is already producing significant electricity. By looking at successful regions, the state can draw inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, which generate over 65% of their electricity from nuclear energy. Similarly, North Carolina can take cues from California and Nevada, where solar energy contributes to a considerable portion of their electricity mix, showcasing the potential of solar power. As North Carolina considers expanding solar and nuclear power, these examples illustrate regions' successful integration of low-carbon technologies into their energy strategies, thus promoting sustainable economic development and combatting climate change.
History
North Carolina's history of low-carbon electricity generation over recent years reflects some fluctuations. In 2024, nuclear power showed strong growth, contributing an additional 1 TWh to the grid, whereas hydropower increased by 0.6 TWh. The year also saw a minor decline in biofuels electricity generation by 0.2 TWh, and no change was observed for wind energy. In contrast, 2025 saw a downturn in nuclear production, down by 0.3 TWh, and a slight decrease in hydropower by 0.2 TWh. Despite these reductions, there was a positive change for wind and biofuels, which saw increases of 0.4 TWh and 0.1 TWh, respectively. These developments over the past few years underscore the necessity for continuous and strategic investments in low-carbon technologies like nuclear and solar to ensure a resilient, clean energy future for the state.
