In North Dakota, more than half of the electricity generation comes from fossil sources, with coal dominating at more than 50%. On the other hand, clean energy contributes close to 40% of the electricity supply. Among the low-carbon sources, wind energy plays a significant role, providing just under 35% of the electricity, while hydropower contributes a smaller portion, close to 5%. Natural gas, although a fossil fuel, accounts for slightly over 6% of electricity generation. The balance between fossil energy and low-carbon energy is crucial in understanding North Dakota's efforts to transition towards cleaner electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in North Dakota?
The current state of electricity consumption in North Dakota illustrates a decrease from previous years. In 2024, the electricity consumption was 54,284 kWh per person, which is a decrease of more than 2,500 kWh per person compared to the peak consumption recorded in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation in 2024 saw a drop by more than 1,600 kWh per person compared to its previous record in 2022. These declines can be concerning as they reflect a regression in both overall consumption and the share of low-carbon electricity, highlighting the need to address these trends to support the growing demand and environmental goals.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation in North Dakota, expanding existing wind projects presents a promising avenue given their already substantial contribution. Learning from successful regions can be beneficial; for instance, embracing nuclear energy as seen in Illinois, South Carolina, and New Hampshire could provide a reliable clean energy backbone. Similarly, enhancing solar capability by looking at the examples of solar-rich regions such as California and Spain may provide an efficient use of North Dakota's natural resources. By cultivating these clean energy types, North Dakota could accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable electricity mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ultimately contribute to mitigating climate change.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in North Dakota reflects several notable periods of growth and fluctuations. In the late 2000s, wind energy saw a consistent upward trend with annual increases, while the early 2010s marked initial growth in both wind and hydropower. Despite some setbacks like the temporary decline in wind generation in 2018 and 2020, overall generation continued to grow, notably with substantial increases in 2016 and 2020. Unfortunately, the recent declines in 2023 suggest a need for renewed focus on stabilizing and growing clean energy contributions. Sustained efforts in expanding wind and other low-carbon technologies are crucial to maintaining momentum in the face of past fluctuations and building a cleaner, more electrified future.