South Dakota has been remarkably successful in generating low-carbon electricity, with over 80% of its electricity coming from such clean sources. Specifically, more than half of the state's electricity is generated by wind power, with hydropower contributing about a quarter. Fossil fuels like coal and gas make up a relatively smaller portion, accounting for just over 18% combined. Solar power, though still a minor player, is gradually contributing, with utility-scale solar close to accounting for 2% of the total. These achievements have positioned South Dakota as a significant net exporter of electricity, providing neighboring regions with the means to lower their emissions. However, moving forward, the state faces the challenge of electrifying additional sectors, such as transport and heating, requiring significant expansion of electricity generation.

Is Electricity Growing in South Dakota?

Electricity consumption in South Dakota is on the rise. The most recent figures reveal that residents consumed approximately 23,755 kWh per person, breaking the previous record of 23,392 kWh per person set the year before. This represents a growth of 363 kWh per person within a single year. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation also reached a new height, with the latest numbers showing 19,422 kWh per person, a slight increase over the previous record of 19,247 kWh per person. This uptick of 175 kWh per person indicates a steady march towards cleaner energy sources, although the pace of growth suggests more efforts could be beneficial in significantly boosting clean electricity generation.

Suggestions

To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, South Dakota should focus on expanding wind power facilities, one of its most successful clean energy sources. More ambitious development in this sector promises to produce substantial amounts of additional clean electricity. However, alongside wind power, the state should also consider promoting solar energy, which has considerable potential in South Dakota's sunny areas. Moreover, exploring the future building of nuclear power plants could further cement the state's low-carbon generation capacities, providing a steady and reliable energy source and helping meet future electricity demands driven by urban growth and electrification of diverse economic sectors.

History

Over recent years, South Dakota has seen varied growth in its low-carbon electricity generation. Notably, in 2024, the state achieved an impressive increase of 2.7 TWh in wind power and a modest rise of 0.3 TWh in hydropower, creating a promising baseline for subsequent years. In 2025, both wind and hydro sources saw smaller increases of 0.6 TWh and 0.3 TWh respectively, continuing positive trends albeit at a reduced pace. By 2026, hydro power showed resilience with an increase of 0.5 TWh, though wind experienced a slight dip, dropping by 0.3 TWh. Despite this minor decline in wind power, the overall trajectory over the past few years points to a sustained commitment to low-carbon electricity, a necessity to combat the adverse effects of fossil fuels and bolster a sustainable energy future for all.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.