In 2025, Ohio's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels, with over two-thirds of its electricity sourced from them. Natural gas plays a major role, accounting for nearly half of the electricity generation. Coal contributes to a fifth, and almost 17% of the state's electricity comes from net imports, highlighting Ohio's dependency on external sources. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity sources, including nuclear and solar, account for about 16.5% of Ohio's electricity. Nuclear energy is the most significant among low-carbon sources, making up nearly 10%, whereas solar energy contributes almost 5%, with utility-scale solar representing most of that share. Wind energy, however, is minimal, contributing less than 2% to Ohio's grid.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ohio?
Electricity consumption in Ohio is on an upward trend. The state's total consumption has reached a new high of approximately 14,984 kWh per person, which is a notable increase compared to the previous year's record of 13,771 kWh per person—an impressive rise by 1,213 kWh per person. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation is also increasing, with the latest figures at 2,471 kWh per person, up from 2,191 kWh per person in 2024, marking an increase of 280 kWh per person. The growth of both total and low-carbon electricity consumption in Ohio is encouraging, reflecting a positive trend towards meeting future energy demands and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
For Ohio to capitalize on this momentum and further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, leveraging strategies from successful regions could be insightful. States like Illinois and New Hampshire, which harness large proportions of their electricity from nuclear power—50% and 55%, respectively—highlight the significant potential of nuclear energy. Ohio could follow their example by investing more in nuclear to substantially increase its low-carbon footprint. In terms of solar energy, states like Nevada and international examples such as California demonstrate that deploying extensive solar infrastructure can lead to significant contributions, with solar constituting 31% of their electricity. By emulating the strides made by these regions, Ohio can transform its energy mix to become significantly cleaner and more sustainable.
History
Examining the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Ohio shows some fluctuations. The year 2024 marked a considerable increase in nuclear power generation, with a rise of 1.7 TWh, complementing static contributions from hydroelectric, biofuel, and wind energy. However, 2025 saw a step back in nuclear production, with a 0.8 TWh decrease, despite a positive development in wind energy, which gained 0.2 TWh. This inconsistency in clean energy expansion could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially against the backdrop of the pressing need to transition away from fossil fuels. The historical data underscores the importance of continuing and intensifying efforts to sustain and expand Ohio's low-carbon energy infrastructure, particularly by focusing on nuclear and solar advancements.
