As of 2025, North Dakota's electricity consumption reflects a notable blend of energy sources. Fossil fuels continue to dominate with just over half of the electricity generated from coal alone, contributing approximately 53% to the mix, while gas adds roughly 5%. Lew-carbon electricity generation, however, is becoming a formidable player, making up nearly 42% of North Dakota's electricity mix. Wind energy leads the charge in this category, supplying over a third of the electricity, with hydropower contributing about 5%. The state's growing emphasis on clean electricity is promising, but there's still room to enhance the shift toward more sustainable energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Dakota?
Looking at the electricity consumption trends, North Dakota has seen a slight decline in the total consumption per person. The state recorded 53,093 kWh per person in 2025, down from the previous record of 53,429 kWh per person in 2024. This decline is concerning, particularly as clean electricity sources have shown growth. The upward trend in low-carbon generation, increasing by 891 kWh per person from the previous year, indicates a positive shift towards sustainability. However, the overall dip in electricity consumption suggests a need for strategies to support growth in both consumption and sustainable supply to meet the future demands driven by electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To expand its low-carbon electricity portfolio, North Dakota should prioritize the development of its existing wind capacity, given its success so far. The state can also learn from other regions that have excelled in low-carbon electricity generation. States like South Dakota and Iowa have significantly benefited from wind energy, generating close to 58% of their electricity from this source, a benchmark North Dakota could aim to surpass. Looking internationally, countries like France and Slovakia, which harness nearly two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear energy, provide a strong model for integrating nuclear into North Dakota's energy mix. Furthermore, incorporating solar energy could complement these efforts, as seen in regions like Nevada and California, where solar plays a substantial role in the energy portfolio. By embracing these strategies, North Dakota can enhance its clean electricity generation and contribute to a more sustainable future.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in North Dakota, recent years have seen moderate but consistent growth. In 2024, wind energy saw a modest increase of 0.3 TWh, while hydropower experienced a slight decline of 0.1 TWh. The following year, both energy sources improved, with wind generation rising by 0.6 TWh and hydropower recovering by 0.1 TWh. These incremental gains are encouraging and highlight the importance of ongoing investment and expansion in low-carbon technologies. With focused efforts, North Dakota can continue to grow its clean electricity capabilities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing their negative impacts on the environment and public health.
