As of 2025, electricity consumption in Texas heavily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for more than half of its total energy use. Almost 60% of electricity generation comes from fossil sources, with natural gas making up nearly 50% and coal contributing approximately 12%. On the other hand, low-carbon sources, which include wind, solar, and nuclear energy, supply around 40% of Texas’s electricity. Wind power is the dominant clean energy source, providing more than 20%, while solar energy offers almost 11%, a majority of which comes from utility-scale installations. Nuclear power, though slightly less prevalent, contributes about 7% of the total electricity. This highlights a substantial reliance on sustainable energy sources, yet there remains significant room for growth and a transition towards cleaner energy to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact from fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Texas?
Electricity consumption in Texas appears to be on an upward trend. Latest data indicates that per capita electricity use has increased from the previous high set in 2024, reaching about 18,773 kWh per person, indicating a rise of nearly 400 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed a commendable growth as well, with an increase of 757 kWh per person compared to the previous year, climbing to 7,471 kWh per person. Such progress signifies a positive direction in enhancing sustainable energy use, yet continued efforts are crucial to meet growing electricity demands and further reduce dependency on fossil sources. The larger absolute increase in low-carbon generation compared to the overall increase suggests a shift towards cleaner electricity, which is a constructive step forward in Texas's energy profile.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Texas can build on its strengths in wind and solar energy. Expanding these sectors will enhance the state's capacity to produce clean energy. Texas could learn from regions like Denmark and states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy constitutes nearly 60% of electricity generation. Similarly, Texas might benefit from adopting solar strategies seen in states like Nevada and California, where solar energy supply approaches one-third of their electricity. Additionally, enhancing nuclear energy can be beneficial, inspired by regions like France and Illinois, where nuclear energy supplies more than half of the electricity. Investing in these areas will not only help Texas to further reduce its carbon footprint but also ensure reliable and sustainable electricity for future demands.
History
Historically, Texas has experienced shifts in its low-carbon electricity sector. In 2024, wind energy production surged by 4.4 TWh, while nuclear power suffered a setback, declining by 2.1 TWh. Biofuels experienced a slight decline, while hydroelectricity remained constant. The year 2025 brought encouraging developments, notably with wind energy expanding by 5.2 TWh and nuclear energy rebounding with an increase of 3 TWh. Even hydroelectric generation saw a modest boost of 0.5 TWh, while biofuels remained stable. The rebound in nuclear energy generation, complemented by the steady rise in wind power, indicates a positive turnaround in low-carbon electricity generation, promoting a more sustainable and clean energy future for Texas.
