Between June 2024 and May 2025, electricity consumption in North Dakota was primarily fueled by both low-carbon and fossil energy sources. A little more than half, or around 58%, of the electricity came from fossil energy, with coal making up the majority at approximately 52% and gas at about 6%. Clean, low-carbon energy sources contributed about 42% to the electricity mix. Wind energy led among these sources, constituting nearly 37% of the total electricity consumption, while hydropower provided close to 5%. This indicates a substantial reliance on coal within fossil fuels, but also a significant presence of wind as the primary low-carbon source, demonstrating a balanced yet coal-heavy energy mix during this period.
Is Electricity Growing in North Dakota?
Regarding the state's electricity growth, there is a concerning downturn in overall consumption. As of 2025, the electricity consumption per capita stood at roughly 54,340 kWh, which represents a decrease of over 2,500 kWh per person from the 2022 record of 56,847 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a reduction, with the current level at about 22,650 kWh per person down from the 2022 peak of 23,099 kWh. This decline is worrying in the context of increasing electrification needs, such as the adoption of electric vehicles and the impact of artificial intelligence, which demand consistent electricity growth across all sectors, especially low-carbon ones.
Suggestions
To boost the generation of low-carbon electricity in North Dakota, enhancing wind energy capacity offers a promising avenue, given its established contribution. Additionally, North Dakota can draw lessons from regions excelling in clean energy deployment. For example, Iowa demonstrates a notable success with wind, attributing 62% of its electricity to this source. Furthermore, regions like France and New Hampshire illustrate the potential of nuclear energy, with 69% and 55% of their electricity generated from nuclear power respectively. North Dakota could consider embracing nuclear energy and expanding its wind sector for a robust and sustainable energy future, supporting its transition away from fossil fuels and curbing climate change.
History
Historically, North Dakota has seen impressive developments in clean electricity, particularly with wind and hydropower. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, wind power consistently increased, with incremental yearly additions ranging from over 1 TWh to more than 3 TWh. Notably, in 2017 and 2020, wind energy saw substantial boosts of over 3 TWh and 2 TWh, respectively. However, there were periods of downturn, such as in 2018 and 2023, when wind power experienced slight declines. Nevertheless, the overall trend reflects a positive trajectory in clean energy contributions, encouraging further expansion and diversification into nuclear and solar energy to ensure continued growth and energy security for the state.