In New Hampshire, the period from June 2024 to May 2025 reveals a significant reliance on clean energy for electricity consumption. Low-carbon energy sources dominate with approximately 71% of the state's electricity coming from these green technologies. Nuclear power is the primary source, contributing more than half of the total electricity, at nearly 55%. Hydropower and biofuels, while not as dominant, also play important roles, at 8.6% and 4.7% respectively, alongside a smaller share from wind energy at close to 3%. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, account for about 28% of the electricity mix, primarily driven by natural gas at 25.6%, with coal contributing a minor 1.8%. This clear preference for low-carbon energy is a positive step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in New Hampshire?
Despite the impressive share of clean energy in New Hampshire, the overall electricity consumption is showing a worrying decline. As of 2025, electricity consumption per person stands at 12,398 kWh, which is a noticeable drop from the peak of 18,845 kWh per person recorded in 2005. This decline corresponds to a reduction of nearly 6,500 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased compared to its peak in 2013, with current figures showing 8,800 kWh per person, a decrease of almost 1,800 kWh from the 2013 record. This reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, especially with the increasing need for electricity due to the rise of electrification and AI technologies.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, New Hampshire should prioritize the expansion of its existing nuclear capabilities, given their substantial contribution to the state's electricity mix. Additionally, the state can draw inspiration from successful regions that have excelled in clean energy generation. For instance, Iowa and South Dakota have robust wind energy sectors, each generating over 60% of their electricity from wind. Emulating such ambitious wind initiatives could further diversify New Hampshire's clean energy portfolio. In terms of solar energy, New Hampshire could take cues from Lebanon and Nevada, where solar contributes close to 31% and 29% respectively. By investing in both solar and wind energy, New Hampshire can ensure a resilient, low-carbon electricity supply to meet future demands.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in New Hampshire, the past decades have seen fluctuations, particularly in nuclear energy, with periods of both significant growth and decline. In the early 2000s, there was an overall increase, notably in 2007, with nuclear energy gaining 1.4 TWh and biofuels contributing an additional 0.4 TWh. However, this was followed by declines such as in 2008 and again between 2011 and 2015. Notably, 2013 saw a significant nuclear surge of 2.7 TWh, highlighting the potential for growth with focused efforts. More recently, from 2019 to 2023, smaller fluctuations have continued, showing an increase of 0.8 TWh in 2019 and a 1.1 TWh gain in 2022, though offset by declines like the 1.4 TWh drop in 2023. This inconsistent performance emphasizes the need for strategic planning and investment to stabilize and grow low-carbon energy generation.