Over the last year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Ohio's electricity consumption has primarily been fueled by fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity, specifically about 71%, is produced from fossil fuels, with natural gas being the largest contributor at almost 49%. Coal provides an additional 21% of the fossil fuel-generated electricity. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources account for around 17% of the electricity generation. Within this category, nuclear energy contributes a significant portion, at about 10%, while solar and wind energy make up approximately 4% and 2%, respectively. Additionally, Ohio relies on net imports for about 13% of its electricity needs. This reliance on fossil fuels highlights a dependence on conventional energy sources, with a smaller share dedicated to cleaner alternatives.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ohio?
Despite Ohio's reliance on fossil fuels, there is a brighter side to report in terms of low-carbon electricity generation. Although the overall electricity consumption per person saw a decline from the peak in 2007, dropping from 14,807 kWh to 14,069 kWh per capita in 2025, Ohio's clean energy output per person has actually increased. The state's achievement in reaching 2,332 kWh per person from low-carbon sources in 2025 is an improvement from the previous year's record of 2,148 kWh. This increase of 183 kWh per person indicates a positive trend towards cleaner energy, even if overall consumption remains below historical peaks. It is essential to sustain and build upon these gains in clean electricity generation to further drive down emissions.
Suggestions
Given Ohio's significant nuclear energy potential, expanding existing nuclear facilities would markedly increase clean energy production. With inspiration from successful regions, Ohio could look to Illinois and South Carolina for guidance, where nuclear energy contributes a much larger share to their electricity mix, 52% and 54%, respectively. Additionally, learning from France's experience, where nuclear energy fulfills 69% of its electricity needs, could provide strategic insights for further growth. Regarding solar and wind energy, Ohio might benefit from studying states like New Mexico and Nevada, where solar power constitutes a significant share of electricity generation. By strategically expanding nuclear and solar energy capacities, Ohio can accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
Looking back, Ohio's journey in low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuations, especially in the nuclear sector. Since the mid-2000s, nuclear energy generation has experienced several ups and downs. For instance, 2005 and 2007 witnessed significant declines, but there were notable increases in 2006 and 2012. Particularly concerning are recurrent reductions, such as in 2009 and the last few years leading up to 2022, which highlight missed opportunities to capitalize on nuclear's potential. More recently, 2024 saw a commendable addition of nearly 2 TWh from nuclear alongside a substantial leap in solar electricity of around 2.6 TWh, which was further amplified to 2.9 TWh in 2025. This demonstrates that Ohio is increasingly recognizing the advantages of solar and nuclear energy. Ensuring steady growth in these areas will be crucial for further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
