Between September 2024 and August 2025, Washington achieved an impressive level of low-carbon electricity generation, reaching more than 78%. Leading this clean energy charge, hydropower contributed around 61% of total electricity, making up the majority of the low-carbon mix. Other low-carbon sources included wind and nuclear power, which provided around 8% and 7% respectively. In contrast, fossil energy sources made up just over one-fifth of the electricity consumption, with gas contributing the bulk at around 17% and coal at a minimal 3%. The consumption from biofuels was close to none, and net imports also held a negligible share. This reflects Washington's commitment to sustainable and clean electricity, though there's still room for growth, particularly in minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington?
Electricity consumption appears to be on a downward trajectory in Washington. In 2025, the total electricity consumption measured 12,895 kWh per person, which is a significant decline from the previous high of 16,984 kWh per person in 2006—a reduction of over 4,000 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has fallen, with the latest figures reaching 10,112 kWh per person, down from the high of 15,519 kWh per person recorded in 2012. This decline raises concerns about Washington's ability to meet future energy demands sustainably, especially with the increasing needs driven by electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Washington can learn from successful examples set by regions renowned for their clean energy accomplishments. For instance, Iowa and South Dakota have been leaders in wind energy, with a substantial 60% and 57% of their electricity derived from wind power, respectively. Washington should aim to expand its wind infrastructure similarly. On the nuclear energy front, states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina, with nuclear contributing over half of their electricity, can serve as models for increasing nuclear capacity. By investing in both solar and nuclear energy, akin to the progress seen in Lebanon with solar at 31%, Washington can diversify its low-carbon energy sources, further decreasing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring a robust and sustainable electricity supply for its future.
History
Washington's history with low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuations, with hydropower traditionally playing a dominant role. In the mid-2000s, 2006 marked a peak with an increase of 10 TWh in hydropower. However, subsequent years saw declines interwoven with periods of recovery, such as the increases in 2011 and 2020. Notably, the changes in nuclear energy supply were inconsistent, with significant reductions in 2009 and 2011 and a rebound thereafter. Wind energy made strides in 2020 with a growth of 2.6 TWh. Despite these ups and downs, the trend has been mixed, underscoring the need for a more stable and ambitious approach to expanding clean electricity. By focusing on innovative energy solutions like nuclear and solar, Washington can overcome past uncertainties to secure a sustainable energy future.
