Electricity in Indiana in 2024/2025
Over the past twelve months, from June 2024 to May 2025, Indiana's electricity consumption has been heavily reliant on fossil energy, with more than three-quarters of its electricity generation originating from these sources. Coal and gas are the primary contributors, supplying 42% and 35% of electricity, respectively. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, comprising wind and solar, make up only a modest 14% of the state's electricity generation. Wind energy is the most widely used low-carbon source, accounting for nearly 10%, while solar provides about 4%. Additionally, net imports contribute a little over 6% to the total electricity supply. This scenario highlights a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which poses challenges related to environmental impact, particularly concerning air pollution and climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in Indiana?
In terms of electricity consumption, Indiana shows a concerning decline. The state's most recent consumption figure stands at 15,645 kWh per person, which marks a significant decrease from the peak consumption level in 2005, which was recorded at 20,764 kWh per person. This indicates a drop of over 5,000 kWh per person, suggesting a reduction in overall electricity use. However, there is a silver lining in the realm of low-carbon energy. The latest data indicates that low-carbon electricity generation has reached 2,211 kWh per person, which surpasses the previous year's record of 1,961 kWh per person by 250 kWh. This growth is a small but promising step toward a greener energy future, demonstrating the potential for increased clean electricity production.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Indiana can learn from other regions that have successfully harnessed clean energy sources. For instance, states like Iowa and South Dakota have significantly developed their wind energy sectors, with wind supplying well over half of their electricity. Illinois also provides a good example of a state that has effectively expanded its nuclear energy capacity, with nuclear power contributing about half of its electricity. Additionally, countries such as France and Slovakia have demonstrated the benefits of a robust nuclear sector, with nuclear power generating a substantial majority of their electricity. By investing more in solar and nuclear energy, Indiana can diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing its clean energy initiatives.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Indiana reveals a series of gradual developments. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, wind energy saw substantial growth, with significant increases in generation from 2009 to 2011. This trend continued, albeit at a more modest pace, through the mid-2010s, with incremental additions each year. In 2021 and 2022, there was a marked increase in wind and solar power, with a notable jump in wind generation and solar making its entry as a substantial contributor. However, in 2023, there was a significant decline in wind energy, which raises concerns about the sustainability of this growth. Fortunately, solar power continued its upward trajectory, and both wind and solar saw new growth in 2024 and 2025. This history indicates the potential for expansion and highlights the need for sustained investment and commitment to growing low-carbon energy infrastructure in Indiana.