In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, New Hampshire has demonstrated a notable preference for low-carbon electricity, with clean sources making up roughly 70% of the state's electricity mix. A significant majority of this comes from nuclear energy, which alone accounts for more than half of the total electricity generated. In addition to nuclear, hydropower contributes close to 7%, while biofuels, wind, and solar each add a small percentage, with each below 5%. Conversely, fossil fuels, dominated by gas, still play a notable role, representing just under 30% of electricity generation. This mix showcases New Hampshire's leaning towards sustainable energy, though there remains a distinct footprint from fossil energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Hampshire?
Reflecting on the trajectory of electricity consumption, it appears that New Hampshire's overall usage is on a downward trend. The latest per-person consumption of electricity, at 12,661 kWh, significantly lags behind the previous peak of over 18,845 kWh recorded in 2005. This represents a decrease of over 6,000 kWh per person, indicating a substantial contraction in demand or usage. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a decline, with the latest figures showing a reduction from the 2013 peak. These trends might suggest a need for revitalizing energy strategies, especially considering the urgency of combating climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, New Hampshire could benefit from expanding its nuclear capabilities, given their proven success in the state. Learning from regions like France, where nuclear power constitutes 70% of their electricity, can provide valuable insights. Meanwhile, the global push towards integrating solar power offers another promising avenue. States like Nevada and California have tapped extensively into solar, generating 33% and 29% of their electricity from this clean source, respectively. These examples illustrate how New Hampshire can diversify its energy portfolio by enhancing both its nuclear facilities and investing in solar infrastructure, aiming for a sustainable and robust electricity future.
History
In examining the history of low-carbon electricity in New Hampshire, it is evident that there have been significant fluctuations, particularly in nuclear energy generation. The early 2000s saw periods of both impressive increases and notable declines, with 2010 witnessing a surge of 2.1 TWh in nuclear output, contrasted by a sharp drop of 2.5 TWh in 2011. The following years have been a mix of growths and reductions, notably with a substantial rise in 2013, adding 2.7 TWh, only to be tempered by declines in subsequent years. Encouragingly, 2022 marked a favorable change with a rise of 1.1 TWh. These fluctuations underline a need for consistent policy and infrastructure investment, especially in reliable low-carbon sources, to secure a stable and sustainable electricity supply for the future.
