As of the period spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in North Dakota demonstrates a significant reliance on fossil fuels. More than half of the electricity, around 58%, is generated from fossil sources, with coal alone contributing nearly 53%. Meanwhile, low-carbon and clean energy sources, such as wind and hydropower, provide close to 42% of the state’s electricity. Wind energy dominates the low-carbon segment, accounting for nearly 37%, while hydropower contributes just under 5%. It is clear that while North Dakota is making strides in clean energy investment, the state still heavily depends on fossil fuels, indicating room for further development in low-carbon electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Dakota?
Recent data reveals a decline in overall electricity consumption in North Dakota. The latest per capita electricity consumption figure is approximately 52,886 kWh, which is almost 4,000 kWh less than the record set in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has dropped by about 1,137 kWh compared to its previous peak in 2022, now standing at 21,961 kWh per person. This decline is concerning, especially when considering the urgent need for increasing electricity consumption, particularly clean electricity, to meet growing demands due to electrification trends and AI-driven developments.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation in North Dakota, expanding existing wind capacity is a logical step, given its significant contribution to the state's electricity profile. Moreover, North Dakota can learn from successful regions globally. Neighboring state Iowa, for instance, generates an impressive 60% of its electricity from wind, setting an example for potential wind power expansion. Additionally, countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated the benefits of investing in nuclear energy, which respectively contributes 69% and 67% to their electricity mixes, highlighting the potential to diversify North Dakota’s clean energy sources. Solar energy should not be overlooked either, with countries like Lebanon and regions such as Nevada achieving around 31% and 30%, respectively, from solar. By studying these successes, North Dakota has the opportunity to significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity capacity.
History
Historically, North Dakota has experienced various changes in its low-carbon electricity generation. The late 2000s and early 2010s were characterized by a steady increase in wind energy, with noticeable gains from 2008 to 2011. The mid-2010s saw continued growth, especially in 2016 and 2017, where wind energy saw sharp increases of 1.7 and 3.2 TWh, respectively. However, the period wasn't without setbacks; for example, hydroelectric generation also witnessed fluctuations, such as the decline of 0.6 TWh in 2013 and 0.7 TWh in 2020. Most recently, there was a significant reduction in wind energy generation of 1.8 TWh in 2023, followed by a modest recovery in 2025. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of North Dakota’s low-carbon electricity development and underscore the need for strategic planning to ensure continuous growth.
