In 2024, Tennessee's electricity consumption presents a balanced blend of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Clean energy, encompassing nuclear, hydropower, and solar, accounts for slightly more than a third of the state's electricity, at about 38%. The primary contributor among these is nuclear energy, which alone supplies almost 30% of Tennessee's total electricity. Hydropower and solar energy contribute smaller portions, making up nearly 7% and just over 1% respectively. In contrast, fossil fuels contribute nearly a third of the electricity, with coal providing 16% and gas close to 15%. Furthermore, the state imports around 30% of its electricity, reflecting a notable dependency on sources beyond its own production capabilities.
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee has experienced a concerning downward trend in electricity consumption. In 2024, the average electricity consumption per person stood at 14,995 kWh, which is a significant decrease of over 3,000 kWh compared to the peak recorded in 2005. Low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a substantial decline. The 2024 figures show a drop of roughly 1,600 kWh per person compared to 2020. This reduction highlights a critical need for Tennessee to prioritize boosting its clean electricity output to meet future demands and contribute to sustainable energy goals.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Tennessee should prioritize expanding its nuclear energy capacity, given its current significant contribution to the state's clean energy mix. Drawing inspiration from successful regions, Tennessee could follow in the footsteps of countries and states like France, Slovakia, and South Carolina, where nuclear power contributes more than half of the electricity supply. Furthermore, exploring the potential of solar energy could be beneficial, as evidenced by regions like Nevada and California, where solar energy constitutes a notable percentage of electricity generation. Expanding both nuclear and solar capacities will solidify Tennessee's commitment to clean and sustainable energy.
History
Historically, Tennessee's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has seen its share of fluctuations. In the early 2000s, the state experienced significant declines in nuclear output, particularly in 2006 and 2008. However, the mid-2010s marked a period of recovery and growth, highlighted by a substantial increase in nuclear generation in 2016. Though hydropower has witnessed its ups and downs throughout the years, its contribution has been relatively stable. Unfortunately, 2024 ushered in a significant decline in nuclear generation, underlining the critical need for strategic planning and investment to reverse this trend and secure Tennessee's low-carbon future.