In 2025, the electricity consumption landscape in Alabama shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for over 61% of the electricity generated. More than 45% of the electricity comes from gas, while coal contributes to over 15%. On the low-carbon front, clean energy sources contribute around 39% of the electricity generation. Among these, nuclear energy makes up the largest share at 30%, while hydropower and biofuels follow, generating roughly 6% and 2% respectively. The notable dependency on fossil fuels presents an opportunity for Alabama to transition further towards cleaner energy options to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Alabama?
Reflecting on the growth of electricity consumption in Alabama, 2025 has seen a slight decrease compared to previous records. The per-person electricity use dropped to around 27,408 kWh, a decrease of 303 kWh from 2024. This trend of declining consumption is mirrored in the low-carbon sector, where the per-person low-carbon electricity generation has fallen to approximately 10,717 kWh, down by 690 kWh from the peak in 2023. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, particularly given the need for increased electricity generation to support future demand driven by electrification and AI advancements.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation in Alabama, expansion of existing nuclear facilities is a promising approach given nuclear's substantial contribution to Alabama's clean energy. Learning from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes over 60% of their electricity mix, could offer valuable insights. Additionally, integrating solar energy can be informed by the successes of states such as Nevada and California, which have achieved substantial solar generation. By following these examples, Alabama can significantly increase its clean energy output, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity supply for the future.
History
Historically, the low-carbon electricity sector in Alabama saw fluctuations. In 2024, nuclear generation experienced a decline by 1.1 TWh, a trend that continued as it fell by another 1.8 TWh in 2025. Meanwhile, the hydropower sector saw negligible reductions of about 0.1 TWh each year, while biofuels modestly increased by 0.1 TWh in 2024, maintaining this level in 2025. The notable decrease in nuclear contributions in recent years is worrisome and underscores the critical need for investment and expansion in this vital clean energy source to ensure Alabama remains on a sustainable path while effectively addressing the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependency.
