As of 2025, electricity consumption in Virginia is dominated by fossil energy, which accounts for around 41% of total consumption. Gas makes up nearly the entire fossil energy component, contributing 38%, with coal playing a much smaller role at about 2%. Net imports, another significant component, contribute nearly a third of the electricity consumed in Virginia. On the greener side, low-carbon or clean energy makes up about a quarter of the electricity, with nuclear being the primary source of clean energy at nearly 18%. Solar energy contributes approximately 6% of the state's electricity, with utility-scale solar near 6% and a smaller portion attributed to distributed solar installations. Although biofuels and other low-carbon technologies are present, their contributions are exceedingly modest and do not substantially impact the overall low-carbon energy share.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Virginia?
Electricity consumption in Virginia is on an upward trend. The state's average electricity use per person in 2025 reached 18,063 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2024 by 1,159 kWh. This growth signals a positive shift towards meeting the increasing demand expected from emerging technologies and developments in electrification. Low-carbon electricity generation also saw a slight increase, with 2025 figures rising to 4,728 kWh per person from 4,556 kWh the previous year, a change of 171. Despite this progress in clean energy generation, the overall dominance of fossil fuels in the energy mix remains a concern that must be addressed to minimize environmental impacts and ensure a sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
Virginia can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing nuclear facilities, which already provide a significant portion of its clean energy. Learning from successful regions, Virginia can look at France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes a significant share, around 67% and 66%, respectively. Moreover, regions like South Carolina and Illinois show substantial nuclear generation, with each generating over 50% of their electricity from nuclear sources. On the solar front, inspiration can be drawn from places like California and Nevada, where solar power accounts for about one-third of the electricity generation. By drawing lessons from these regions and implementing an ambitious nuclear and solar expansion, Virginia can significantly improve its clean energy profile and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
History
In reviewing Virginia's low-carbon electricity history, a trend emerges over the recent years. Unfortunately, 2024 and 2025 experienced notable declines in nuclear generation, each with a decrease of 0.7 TWh. This downward trend is regrettable given the substantial role nuclear energy plays in providing clean electricity. Hydropower also saw a decrease of 0.2 TWh in 2024, but showed no change in 2025, indicating stagnation. While biofuels and wind energy did not significantly augment their generation capacities, it's heartening to notice a slight increase in biofuels in 2025. To secure a cleaner energy future, it is crucial for Virginia to act on these insights, ramp up the deployment of nuclear and solar technologies, and turn the setbacks of previous years into opportunities for rapid green growth.
