Over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, North Dakota's electricity consumption was prominently characterized by a split between fossil energy and low-carbon energy. Fossil energy sources, particularly coal, constituted more than half of the state's electricity consumption at a combined share of 58.2%, with coal alone accounting for almost 52% and gas approximately 6%. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources represented 41.68% of the state's electrical output. Wind energy was the leading clean source at nearly 37%, and hydropower followed with a modest contribution of just over 5%. This bifocal focus underscores a meaningful presence of clean energy, but the continuing reliance on fossil sources, mainly coal, remains significant.
Is Electricity Growing in North Dakota?
Despite the slight variance in electricity consumption, North Dakota's electricity usage shows a downward trend. In 2025, the state's total electricity consumption reached 54,340 kWh per person, marking a decline from the previous high of 56,847 kWh per person in 2022. This reduction of around 2,508 kWh per person indicates a worrisome dip in overall electricity utilization. Similarly, the state's low-carbon electricity generation also decreased from its 2022 record of 23,099 kWh per person to 22,650 kWh per person in 2025, a decline of 449 kWh per person. These figures reflect a disconcerting retreat from previous levels, highlighting the need for revitalized efforts to boost both general and clean electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, North Dakota should capitalize on its existing wind energy potential, expanding upon it to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Learning from successful regions, North Dakota could also consider adopting nuclear and solar energy strategies. For instance, states like Iowa generate an impressive 62% of their electricity from wind, and South Dakota follows closely with 60%. Similarly, nuclear success stories from Illinois, where nuclear accounts for 52% of electricity, provide a strong model for adoption. Moreover, regions with substantial solar generation such as Nevada at 29% and Greece at 26% demonstrate the potential for harnessing solar power. By integrating these insights, North Dakota could significantly augment its low-carbon electricity output, propelling it towards a more sustainable future.
History
Throughout the 21st century, North Dakota's history of low-carbon electricity generation has predominantly been marked by gains in wind-powered energy. Starting in the late 2000s, significant expansions occurred, with annual growth margins of over 1 TWh between 2008 and 2011, reaching notable heights again in 2016 and 2017. During these periods, hydropower also contributed some positive increments in 2010, 2014, and 2017. Nevertheless, this growth faced occasional downturns, such as in 2013 and 2018 when hydropower dropped, and the 2020 decline in hydropower as well. While wind energy saw a robust addition of 2.4 TWh in 2020, subsequent years reflected variable growth. Such fluctuations underscore both the inherent potential and occasional challenges of North Dakota's low-carbon energy journey, highlighting opportunities for more consistent advancements in sustainable electricity generation.