In 2025, South Carolina's electricity generation landscape demonstrates a promising shift towards low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the state's electricity comes from low-carbon options, with nuclear energy contributing a significant portion at nearly 54%. This indicates a strong reliance on nuclear power, making it a cornerstone of the state's clean energy profile. Meanwhile, fossil fuels continue to play a substantial role, accounting for roughly 39% of electricity generation. Within this category, gas and coal make up 21% and 17%, respectively. On the clean energy front beyond nuclear, solar power accounts for close to 4%, with utility-scale solar leading the charge, alongside hydropower and biofuels contributing smaller shares. This balanced approach highlights South Carolina's ongoing transition towards a greener electricity sector.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Carolina?
Electricity consumption in South Carolina indicates a pattern of modest growth. The latest data for 2025 shows a slight increase in per capita electricity consumption compared to 2023, reaching around 18,912 kWh/person, marking an uptick of 84 kWh/person. Despite this increment in total consumption, low-carbon electricity generation per person experienced a marginal decline, reducing by 9 kWh/person compared to its peak in 2023. While the overall consumption edges upward, the slight dip in clean electricity generation per person suggests room for improvement. A dynamic approach to enhance low-carbon baselines could bolster sustainable growth and energy security while addressing climate concerns and fostering a healthy environment.
Suggestions
To accelerate the adoption of low-carbon electricity, South Carolina can build on its existing strengths in nuclear energy. Expanding nuclear capacity, a proven and substantial contributor, could augment electricity supplies while maintaining low emissions. Learning from regions like France, where nuclear energy accounts for more than 60% of their electricity, can provide a model for scalability. Additionally, South Carolina might draw inspiration from states like Nevada and California, where solar energy meets a significant portion of their electricity needs. Both solar and nuclear energies are crucial for a sustainable future, aligning with global trends toward low-carbon solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in South Carolina reveals periods of both forward momentum and setbacks. In recent years, the state has seen fluctuations. Notably, nuclear energy faced a decrease in 2024 but rebounded with a notable increase by 2.9 TWh in 2025. Meanwhile, hydropower and biofuels have experienced modest changes, contributing incremental gains over the same period. The rebounding growth in nuclear power highlights its resilience and importance in the state's energy mix, underscoring the potential for further investment and development. Ensuring sustainable growth in low-carbon electricity generation requires strategic planning and continued investment, safeguarding South Carolina's move toward cleaner energy.
