Over the past twelve months, from June 2024 to May 2025, Maryland's electricity consumption has been characterized by a diverse energy mix. The state heavily relies on net imports, which accounted for more than 42% of its electricity usage. Close to a third of Maryland's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with nuclear energy, predominantly, contributing about 23%, along with small contributions from hydropower and solar at about 2.5% and almost 2%, respectively. Fossil fuels make up slightly more than a quarter of the electricity mix, with natural gas contributing nearly a quarter of the total electricity and coal making up just under 4%. This current energy landscape reflects Maryland's partial transition towards cleaner energy, but there is significant room for improvement, particularly in boosting its low-carbon energy output.
Is Electricity Growing in Maryland?
Comparing the current electricity consumption with historical data reveals a notable decline in per capita usage. The most recent numbers, at 10,007 kWh per person, represent a decrease of almost 2,900 kWh per person from the record high in 2005. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased by about 280 kWh from its peak in 2018. These declines are concerning as they indicate stagnation in efforts to increase clean electricity supply, which is crucial for meeting increasing future demands driven by further electrification and growing technology sectors, including AI development.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Maryland can focus on expanding its nuclear energy capacity, given its already significant contributions. Learning from states like France and New Hampshire, which generate a substantial majority of their electricity from nuclear power, Maryland can significantly boost its clean electricity output. Additionally, Maryland could learn from European countries, such as Denmark and Greece, and states like California in the US, which have successfully integrated higher shares of solar energy. Expanding solar capacity can further complement nuclear energy to build a more robust low-carbon portfolio. Imitating these successful regions will help Maryland become a leader in clean electricity generation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and combat the negative effects of climate change and air pollution.
History
Historically, Maryland's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has seen various fluctuations. In the mid-2000s, nuclear energy faced a decline, with a decrease of nearly 1 TWh in 2006, reflecting lost opportunities for cleaner energy production. Subsequent years, however, saw some recovery, with notable increases in nuclear output in 2007 and again between 2011 and 2013. Hydropower also oscillated, experiencing declines in the mid-2000s, a rebound in the early 2010s, and varied changes thereafter. These shifts highlight the opportunity Maryland has to stabilize and consistently increase its low-carbon generation, particularly through nuclear power expansion. This commitment will ensure a more sustainable energy future and serve as a model of progress amidst historical volatility.