South Dakota stands out as a leader in the shift toward low-carbon electricity, with more than 80% of its power coming from clean energy sources from June 2024 to May 2025. The majority of this clean energy stems from wind power, which accounts for almost 60% of the total electricity, followed by hydropower at approximately 21%. Solar contributes just over 2%, highlighting an area ripe with potential for growth. Fossil fuel sources such as gas and coal collectively account for slightly over 17% of the state's electricity consumption. Despite this relatively low reliance on fossil fuels, the pressing challenge of the future lies in addressing the increased demand for electricity as South Dakota endeavors to electrify sectors beyond the power industry, including transportation, heating, and industry.
Is Electricity Growing in South Dakota?
Examining the recent trends, there is a positive trajectory in electricity consumption in South Dakota, signaling growth. The most recent data shows that each person in the state consumes about 22,522 kWh annually, surpassing the previous year's record of 22,173 kWh per person by 349 kWh. This upward shift is also evident in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 18,621 kWh per person in the last year, marking an increase of 581 kWh over the prior year. These gains underline South Dakota’s commitment to expanding its electricity capacity, particularly through low-carbon means, and suggest a promising path for continued clean energy development.
Suggestions
To advance further, South Dakota could enhance its clean energy profile by expanding existing wind infrastructure, which is already a significant contributor to the state's electricity generation. As wind energy is both abundant and a major part of the state’s current low-carbon mix, scaling up this resource would not only bolster sustainable electricity generation but also ensure that future increases in demand are met with green energy. Moreover, considering the state's strong foundation in wind, there is an additional opportunity to diversify its clean energy sources by exploring investments in solar energy, which holds great potential for expansion in the sunny Dakotan climate. Enhanced focus on these strategies could significantly elevate South Dakota's status as a leader in clean power generation.
History
Looking back over the past decades, South Dakota's commitment to low-carbon electricity has been marked by significant developments. The early 2010s saw a boost in both hydropower and wind, with 2010 and 2011 witnessing notable contributions from both sources. However, hydro saw a dip in 2013, only to recover again in subsequent years. Since 2016, wind energy has been on an upward trajectory, particularly in 2021 with a rise of 3.8 TWh. Despite minor setbacks in 2017 and 2023, wind energy rebounded strongly in 2024, increasing by 2.8 TWh. These trends reflect a resilient dedication to fostering a sustainable and clean electricity landscape in South Dakota, supporting the expansion and enhancement of wind energy as a reliable resource for the future.