Between June 2024 and May 2025, Alabama's electricity consumption featured a significant reliance on fossil sources, with more than half, around 61%, coming from fossil fuels, prominently about 46% from gas and around 15% from coal. However, Alabama also demonstrated a commendable contribution from low-carbon energy sources, constituting almost 39% of total electricity consumption. Nuclear power stands out in Alabama's energy mix, contributing close to 30%, while hydropower and biofuels comprised nearly 6% and a small fraction respectively. Despite this noticeable share of clean energy, the state still remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based electricity generation, which contributes negatively to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Alabama?
Given the latest data for 2025, Alabama's electricity consumption per person stands at 27,748 kWh, which is significantly lower than its historical peak of 32,573 kWh in 2011, indicating a decrease of about 4,826 kWh per person. In terms of clean energy, the latest low-carbon electricity generation also shows a reduction, currently at 10,779 kWh per person from an earlier high of 12,153 kWh in 2021—a drop of approximately 1,374 kWh per person. This declining trend in both overall and clean electricity consumption is concerning, especially in light of the growing need for sustainable energy to counter climate change and meet future electrification demands.
Suggestions
For Alabama to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, focusing on expanding existing nuclear capabilities would be a strategic move, as nuclear power already forms a substantial portion of its clean energy mix. Additionally, Alabama can draw inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for an impressive 69% and 64% respectively. Moreover, adopting solar power would be another step forward, drawing lessons from Nevada's effective utilization of solar energy, which provides about 29% of its electricity. Being proactive in these areas would position Alabama to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its renewable energy portfolio, thereby contributing positively to sustainability goals.
History
In the past few decades, Alabama's low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed varied trends. In the initial years of the 21st century, hydroelectric power showed fluctuations with major declines in 2006 and 2007 but bounced back sporadically, notably with a substantial increase in 2009. The nuclear sector similarly experienced fluctuations but overall demonstrated positive growth, especially significant increases in 2008 and 2019, offset by occasional decreases, such as in 2016 and 2022. These inconsistent patterns highlight both the fragility and potential of low-carbon energy sources in Alabama, suggesting the need for focused investment and expansion, particularly in nuclear and solar energy, which can provide a stable and substantial share of electricity generation in the future.