From September 2024 to August 2025, Washington derived more than three-quarters of its electricity from clean sources, with hydropower forming the substantial majority at over 60%. Combined wind, nuclear, and solar contributed to the remaining clean energy mix, each providing a modest percentage, with wind at a little over 8%, nuclear at nearly 8%, and solar at over 1%. In contrast, fossil energy sources accounted for about one-fifth of the electricity mix, with natural gas being the dominant fossil fuel at over 17%, and coal contributing a minor share of just above 3%. Overall, clean electricity strongly dominates Washington’s energy profile, reflecting the state’s substantial commitment to sustainable energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington?
Despite this significant reliance on low-carbon electricity, Washington has seen a concerning decline in overall electricity consumption compared to its historical peak. The latest data records an average of 12,841 kWh per person, notably lower than the 16,984 kWh per person recorded in 2006, marking a substantial drop of 4,144 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity stands at 10,200 kWh per person, a decline of 5,319 kWh per person from the peak in 2012. These decreases suggest that Washington’s electricity growth and especially its growth in sustainable energy sources have not kept pace with past achievements, indicating that renewed efforts are necessary for sustained growth in electricity generation and consumption across the state.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Washington can look towards both nuclear and solar energy expansion by learning from the examples set by other regions. France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes 70% and 66% of the electricity mix respectively, demonstrate the potential for expanded nuclear energy. Fostering partnerships and learning from these examples can aid Washington in potentially increasing its nuclear generation share. In parallel, regions like Nevada and California have made significant strides in solar energy, with solar contributing 33% and 29% of their electricity generation respectively. Enhancing solar infrastructure could further accelerate Washington's shift towards a more sustainable and secure energy future. These efforts, together with the existing hydropower strengths, can ensure Washington remains at the forefront of clean electricity production.
History
Throughout the past few decades, low-carbon electricity generation in Washington has experienced significant ebbs and flows. The early to mid-2000s saw fluctuations in hydropower output along with notable declines in nuclear generation in years such as 2009 and 2011. Fortunately, positive gains in nuclear were observed in 2010 and 2012, supporting a diversified low-carbon mix. Hydropower witnessed significant fluctuations, with large reductions in some years like 2019 and 2023, and noteworthy increments in others, such as 2020 and 2022. Wind energy introduced positive contributions mounting to a steady uptick in the early 2020s, illustrating the potential for integrating wind along with other clean energy formats. Moving forward, prioritizing consistent growth in nuclear and solar production while learning from wind initiatives will be crucial for improving Washington's energy resilience and sustainability.
