Over the past year, from June 2024 through May 2025, South Carolina's electricity sector has seen a substantial reliance on low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity consumption, precisely around 60%, has been supplied by low-carbon sources, with nuclear power providing the lion's share at approximately 53%. Other clean energy types like solar, hydropower, and biofuels contributed less significantly, hovering around 3%, 2%, and 2% respectively. In contrast, fossil fuels made up about 40% of electricity generation, with natural gas and coal accounting for roughly 22% and 18% respectively. Despite this dependency on fossil fuels, the prominence of nuclear energy positions South Carolina favorably in the quest to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in South Carolina?
The trend in electricity consumption in South Carolina provides a complex picture. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person was 18,463 kWh, a noticeable decrease of over 5,500 kWh compared to the peak consumption level in 2005. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person diminished from 13,276 kWh in 2005 to 11,093 kWh in 2025, reflecting a reduction of over 2,000 kWh. These numbers indicate a decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity production, suggesting a concerning trend amidst global efforts to increase clean energy utilization. With the reduction in fossil fuels being vital for environmental sustainability, the state must actively seek to boost low-carbon electricity to not only meet current needs but also support future growth and technology.
Suggestions
To elevate its low-carbon electricity capacity, South Carolina could consider expanding its successful nuclear energy sector, as nuclear energy is already a significant component of the state's clean electricity generation. Moreover, lessons could be drawn from successful examples globally. For instance, France, with its 69% electricity generation from nuclear power, exemplifies the potential scale of nuclear energy deployment. Additionally, for solar energy advancement, states like Nevada and countries such as Greece demonstrate effective harnessing of solar power, each with contributions above 25% in their respective electricity mixes. By learning from these regions, South Carolina can adopt a strategic approach, investing in nuclear expansion, while also significantly enhancing solar infrastructure.
History
In examining the historical trends, South Carolina's low-carbon electricity landscape has witnessed several fluctuations. The early 2000s largely showcased growth, with nuclear electricity expanding by notable margins in 2005 and 2007. However, a series of declines, particularly in 2006, 2008, 2012, and 2014, signaled periods of instability in nuclear generation. The latter years, 2013 and 2019, saw decent nuclear growth, but the recent years presented a mixed picture, with alternating growth and decline. Meanwhile, hydropower showed modest gains in 2009, 2013, and 2020, though not sustained long-term. To ensure a robust future for low-carbon electricity, it is crucial for South Carolina to stabilize and increase its nuclear capacity, enhancing reliability and cementing its role in a sustainable energy framework.