In 2024, electricity consumption in Michigan is heavily reliant on fossil energy, with more than half of the electricity generated coming from fossil-based sources. Specifically, gas accounts for around 45% while coal adds another 21%, which is a significant portion. These sources are airborne pollutants and contribute to climate change, underlining the need for cleaner alternatives. On the positive side, low-carbon electricity generation makes up nearly a third, at 32%. Nuclear energy is the most significant player in this category, contributing over 21%, with wind generating close to 8%, and biofuels and solar together accounting for just over 3%. Encouragingly, this demonstrates some progress in clean energy generation, but there's ample room for improvement, particularly by expanding wind and solar energy production.
Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?
Despite recent growth in electricity consumption in Michigan, increasing from the previous peak in 2005 of 12,100 kWh per person to 12,299 kWh per person in 2024, the situation is less positive for clean energy. The latest figures show a decrease in low-carbon electricity generation per capita, dropping from the record set in 2021 of 4,527 kWh to 3,981 kWh in 2024. This decline of 545 kWh per person is concerning and points to a need for renewed focus and investment in clean energy technologies to keep pace with overall consumption growth. Continued stagnation or reduction in low-carbon electricity generation could hinder efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality, thus it’s imperative that Michigan actively works to expand its clean energy production capabilities.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan can consider expanding its existing nuclear capacity, as nuclear is already a significant contributor to the state’s clean energy mix. Looking at other regions, several have made remarkable achievements in utilizing clean energy sources. For instance, France generates an impressive 68% of its electricity from nuclear energy, which exemplifies the potential Michigan could tap into by following similar strategies. To further diversify clean energy sources, Michigan might also look to states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind power accounts for 63% and 59% of their electricity generation, respectively. Expanding both nuclear and wind could significantly enhance Michigan's low-carbon electricity potential with proven technologies that are already capable of delivering substantial contributions.
History
Historically, Michigan's journey in low-carbon electricity has been a mix of growth and setbacks, particularly in the domain of nuclear energy. Significant fluctuations have ranged from increases such as the 7.8 TWh surge in 2010 to declines like the 9.6 TWh drop in 2009. In the last few years, we have seen wind energy contribute positively, with addition figures of 1.7 TWh in 2013 and 1.5 TWh in both 2022 and 2024. Unfortunately, the volatility in nuclear generation, characterized by inconsistent growth and substantial decreases like the 8.3 TWh drop in 2022, underscores the necessity for stable policy and investment to maintain and grow this pivotal clean energy source. As Michigan moves forward, consistency in bolstering both existing and new low-carbon technologies will be paramount for progressing towards a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future.