Over the last year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Virginia's electricity consumption has been marked by a significant dependence on fossil fuels, with around 43% coming from these sources. A substantial portion, over 41%, is specifically from gas. The clean energy sector, which includes nuclear, solar, and biofuels, accounts for roughly 29% of the electricity consumption, with nuclear energy leading this group by generating about 20%. Solar power contributes just under 6%, representing a small but significant part of the energy mix. Net imports also constitute about 28% of the state's electricity needs, highlighting a dependency on external sources. These insights delineate a landscape where clean energy represents a vital component of Virginia's electricity consumption, but it still remains overshadowed by fossil fuel use.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Virginia?
Virginia is experiencing a noticeable increase in electricity consumption. The latest figures for 2025 suggest that per capita electricity consumption has reached 16,766 kWh, which is an increase of 275 kWh from the previous record set in 2024. This growth is mirrored in the low-carbon sector, where consumption has risen to 4,783 kWh per person, an increase of 314 kWh. Such trends indicate a growing demand for electricity, coupled with an encouraging rise in low-carbon electricity generation. This shift reflects a positive movement towards more sustainable energy practices, although the rate of low-carbon growth should be accelerated to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To expand low-carbon electricity generation, Virginia can enhance its existing nuclear infrastructure, already a significant electricity contributor. Looking at successful regions, Virginia could benefit from the strategies employed in France, where nuclear accounts for about 69% of electricity generation, demonstrating a strong commitment to clean energy. Solar energy also holds promising potential for rapid expansion. Virginia might look to states like Nevada, achieving about 30% of its electricity through solar, or New Mexico, which has advanced solar deployment strategies. Learning from such examples, Virginia could increase investments in solar and nuclear sectors, driving the transition towards a cleaner energy future and reducing the adverse impacts of fossil fuels on climate and air quality.
History
Historically, Virginia's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced fluctuations, particularly in nuclear power generation. In the early 2010s, nuclear energy exhibited notable variability, with significant decreases in 2010 and 2015, but also periods of growth, like a remarkable 3.2 TWh increase in 2012. Solar energy has shown consistent progress in recent years, with expansions contributing to Virginia's clean energy portfolio, particularly from 2021 onwards. Solar saw notable gains each year, complemented by ongoing nuclear advancements. Despite setbacks, the overall trend over the last decade demonstrates a commitment to increasing low-carbon electricity, with both nuclear and solar energies playing pivotal roles in Virginia's energy strategy.
