Over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, Illinois has seen a robust contribution from low-carbon energy sources, which constitute more than two-thirds of its electricity consumption. Within this category, nuclear power stands out as the backbone, providing just over half of the total electricity. Meanwhile, wind contributes significantly, making up around a seventh, while solar energy remains a smaller portion, generating slightly above one-fiftieth of the electricity. In contrast, fossil fuels account for almost a third of electricity consumption, with natural gas and coal nearly equally represented. This distribution highlights Illinois’ commitment to cleaner energy while still balancing a mix of fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Illinois?
Despite these achievements, the overall electricity consumption in Illinois is currently witnessing a stagnation. In 2025, the total electricity consumption has decreased to 15,091 kWh per person, which is a decline of 682 kWh per person compared to the historical high in 2007. On the brighter side, low-carbon electricity generation has reached a new peak, with an increase of 209 kWh per person compared to the previous record set in 2024. This growth in low-carbon output is encouraging but indicates that while the clean electricity sector is advancing, overall electricity consumption needs renewed strategic focus to meet future demands.
Suggestions
Illinois can accelerate its transition to greener sources by expanding its existing nuclear and wind capabilities, and should also increase investment in solar technology. By learning from regions like France and Slovakia, which excel in nuclear energy, Illinois can enhance its nuclear capacity efficiently. Similarly, taking cues from nearby states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy dominates, Illinois could boost its wind infrastructure. Regarding solar energy, increasing efforts based on the advancements seen in regions like Nevada and Lebanon would help Illinois diversify its clean energy portfolio and better leverage the abundant sunshine available to further decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Illinois has shown a consistent upward trend in its low-carbon electricity generation, especially through the augmentation of wind capacity since the late 2000s. The early 2010s marked substantial increases in wind energy, displaying Illinois’ commitment to wind power as a significant player in its clean energy strategy. The fluctuation in nuclear energy, with positive advancements in the mid-2010s, was momentarily hampered by notable declines in 2017 and 2021, yet the state then renewed its focus with considerable growth in recent years. The latest uptick in solar indicates Illinois’ openness to diversifying its clean energy mix, painting a promising future for low-carbon generation as it adapts to shifting consumption patterns and technological progress.