In South Carolina in 2025, more than half of the electricity consumption is sourced from low-carbon sources, indicating a strong lean towards clean energy. Among low-carbon sources, nuclear power plays a predominant role, contributing to more than half of the total electricity consumption. Together with nuclear energy, other low-carbon sources such as solar and hydropower contribute close to none and a small portion, respectively, to the electricity mix. Fossil fuels, although less dominant, still account for a significant portion of the state's electricity, with gas contributing a little over a fifth and coal slightly less than that. This balance shows an ongoing transition towards greener sources, yet there is still substantial reliance on traditional energy sources that contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Carolina?
Looking at the overall electricity growth in South Carolina, there has been a slight increase in electricity consumption, with 2025 numbers reaching 18,912 kWh per person, an increase of 84 from the record set in 2023. This indicates a positive, although modest, growth in electricity consumption, likely driven by population growth and increased electrification. However, when focusing on low-carbon electricity, there is a slight decrease from the previous year's record, signifying a minor setback in clean energy production. The decline of 9 kWh per person in low-carbon generation from the 2023 record demonstrates the need for reinforced efforts to boost this sustainable sector, as both conventional and low-carbon technologies will need to grow to meet future demand.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, South Carolina should strategically focus on expanding its existing nuclear capabilities, which are already generating substantial electricity. Learning from successful regions globally, the state can also consider further integrating solar energy into its grid. States like Nevada and California demonstrate the potential for solar power by contributing close to a third of their electricity through solar energy. Similarly, countries with vast solar expansion, such as North Macedonia or Lebanon, offer blueprints on how to efficiently scale-up solar initiatives. Moreover, considering the success of nuclear power in countries like France and Slovakia, South Carolina can continue to lead its low-carbon charge by fortifying its nuclear energy infrastructure to ensure more significant and sustainable electricity growth.
History
Historically, South Carolina has experienced fluctuations in the generation of low-carbon electricity. In 2024, a drop in nuclear energy generation by 1.9 TWh marked a concerning year, while minor increases in hydropower and biofuels provided slight compensations. However, in 2025, nuclear power witnessed a resurgence with an additional 2.9 TWh, reaffirming its dominant role in the state's clean energy landscape, despite a minor decline in biofuels. The steady growth in hydropower production over these years further emphasizes the potential for diverse energy strategies to buffer against potential downturns in specific energy sources. Embracing nuclear power's resurgence alongside exploring new avenues in solar can help South Carolina solidify its position as a leader in low-carbon electricity generation.
