In Missouri's electricity landscape for 2025, there is a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity coming from these sources. Coal remains the dominant fossil energy source at more than half of the total consumption, while gas represents about 11%. Low-carbon electricity accounts for nearly a fifth of the state's consumption, with nuclear energy contributing approximately 8%, wind 7%, and solar around 3%. Utility-scale solar contributes nearly 2%, followed by a small portion from hydropower. Notably, net energy imports are also a substantial component, covering nearly 18% of the state's electricity needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?
Recent data indicates that electricity consumption in Missouri is on the rise. In 2025, per capita electricity usage reached a new high of 14,151 kWh, marking an increase of 867 kWh from the previous record set in 2024. However, while overall consumption is growing, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has unfortunately declined. In 2025, low-carbon sources generated 2,755 kWh per person in contrast to 3,129 kWh in 2024, a noteworthy decrease of 374 kWh. This decline suggests that Missouri needs to invest more in green energy and increase the share of clean electricity to match and eventually surpass rising consumption levels.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Missouri could look at successful models from other regions. For instance, states like Iowa and South Dakota have optimized their wind resources, supplying nearly 60% of their electricity from this clean energy source, demonstrating the substantial potential of wind energy. Missouri could similarly harness its wind potential. Likewise, France and Illinois have achieved impressive results with nuclear power, reaching around 67% and 50%, respectively, of their electricity from nuclear, showcasing a strong case for Missouri to invest in expanding its nuclear capacity. Nevada, with solar energy at 34%, underscores the vast potential of utility-scale solar projects that Missouri could emulate. By integrating strategies from these regions, Missouri can significantly enhance its low-carbon footing.
History
Examining the historical trends, Missouri's low-carbon electricity journey has seen its ups and downs. In 2024, the state experienced growth with a 1.3 TWh increase in nuclear generation and a modest rise in hydropower by 0.4 TWh. However, the following year revealed a worrying decline in nuclear electricity production, with a reduction of 3.4 TWh in 2025. Wind power also dipped by 0.3 TWh in the same year. These recent declines are concerning, as they slow progress towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy system. It's crucial for Missouri to address these declines by not only reclaiming its nuclear generation but also continuously enhancing its wind and solar capacities to ensure a robust and clean electricity supply for the future.
