In the period from June 2024 to May 2025, Nevada's electricity consumption was primarily driven by fossil fuels, which accounted for more than half of the total electricity. Gas made up the majority of this, contributing to more than half of the electricity generated. However, Nevada is also making significant strides towards low-carbon energy, which comprised almost 43% of the electricity consumption during this period. Solar energy played a crucial role, providing nearly a third of the total electricity. Other clean energy sources like geothermal and hydropower, though not as dominant as solar, contributed significantly, with geothermal providing over 8% and hydropower around 4%. Coal, representing a small fraction at just over 5%, is the least utilized among fossil sources, indicating a positive shift towards cleaner energy in the state.
Is Electricity Growing in Nevada?
Despite a notable reduction in total electricity consumption since 2005, recent data suggests a positive trend in low-carbon electricity generation. In 2025, Nevada's electricity consumption stood at around 13,886 kWh per person, a decrease from the historical peak of 16,534 kWh per person in 2005. This decline may suggest efficiencies or changing consumption patterns. However, the low-carbon electricity generation reached a new high of 5,932 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record achieved in 2024 by 331 kWh per person. This reflects Nevada’s commitment to expanding its clean energy infrastructure, signifying a promising trajectory towards increased sustainability in its electricity consumption profile.
Suggestions
For Nevada to further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, an expansion of solar energy is a promising pathway given its existing capacity and success. Taking cues from regions with high low-carbon energy contributions, such as Iowa and South Dakota with their commendable wind capacities, or France with its significant nuclear infrastructure, Nevada can diversify its clean energy portfolio. Strategic investments in nuclear energy could mirror the success seen in New Hampshire and South Carolina, where nuclear power forms a substantial part of their low-carbon electricity mix. By integrating lessons from these regions, Nevada not only can increase its low-carbon electricity share but also ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future by considering both solar and nuclear advancements.
History
Over the past decades, Nevada has seen a considerable advancement in its low-carbon electricity generation capabilities. Beginning with small increments in hydropower around the mid-2000s, the state gradually increased its geothermal capacity in the early 2010s. Solar energy saw a marked surge starting in 2015, with significant growth in subsequent years, particularly notable in 2016 and 2024, demonstrating Nevada's growing commitment to solar energy expansion. Despite minor setbacks in hydropower in 2016 and 2023, the overall trend has been overwhelmingly positive with consistent expansions and gains primarily driven by solar energy. This steady growth exemplifies Nevada's proactive approach to embracing and enhancing its clean energy capacity, paving the way for a sustainable electricity future.