In Tennessee's electricity consumption landscape for 2025, there is a diverse energy mix in play. More than a third of the state's electricity is imported (approximately 36%), ensuring that Tennessee remains connected to a broader electrical grid. Close to a third of electricity generation in Tennessee is derived from clean sources, with low-carbon energy contributing about 33%. Within this sector, nuclear energy stands out prominently at around 25%, demonstrating its critical role in the state's clean energy portfolio, while hydropower and solar combine to contribute almost 8%. On the other hand, fossil energy makes up about 31% of the energy consumed, with coal and gas providing a roughly equal share of around 15% each. This distribution underscores the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels, although there is a notable presence of cleaner, low-carbon alternatives.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
Electricity consumption in Tennessee has been on the rise, as reflected by the recent numbers. In 2025, per capita consumption reached almost 16,000 kWh, indicating a growth of 647 kWh compared to the previous year, 2024, which held the prior record. This can be seen as a positive trend toward meeting the increased demand, likely driven by electrification trends and the growing presence of AI technologies. However, it is concerning that the generation from low-carbon sources like nuclear, hydro, and solar electricity at a personal level decreased by 1,218 kWh from 2023's benchmark. This drop highlights the need for enhanced efforts in clean electricity generation to support sustainable growth and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are known to contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Tennessee should focus on expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure, given its substantial contribution to the state’s low-carbon electricity. Regional successes provide a benchmark for Tennessee; for instance, France and Slovakia have achieved over 65% of their electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing its potential to generate significant clean electricity. As solar technology continues to advance, Tennessee can also learn from states like Nevada and California, where solar energy contributes over 30% of the energy mix. By embracing these insights and investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Tennessee can create a more sustainable energy future, reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing its energy independence.
History
Historically, Tennessee's commitment to low-carbon electricity has encountered fluctuations. In recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025, there were significant declines in nuclear electricity generation by 5.8 TWh and 2.9 TWh, respectively, posing a challenge for maintaining low-carbon energy levels. While hydropower had seen a minor increase in 2024, it fell by 0.5 TWh in 2025. The stability in biofuels and wind, with no change in 2024, reveals room for enhancements. The downturn in nuclear electricity generation in 2024 and 2025 is particularly alarming, given the vital role it plays in providing large volumes of clean energy. Ensuring the expansion and reliability of nuclear and other growing low-carbon technologies like solar is crucial for Tennessee’s energy strategy moving forward.
