In Tennessee, the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, has seen a diverse mix of electricity consumption sources. Impressively, over a third of the state's electricity needs are met through net imports, highlighting an ongoing dependency on this source. Fossil fuels account for approximately 34% of the electricity consumed, with coal and gas almost evenly split in contributing to this share. Encouragingly, low-carbon energy sources contribute to about 31% of the electricity consumed. Within this category, nuclear energy dominates by providing nearly 23%, while hydropower accounts for around 6.5%. This distribution indicates that, although significant strides have been made towards greener energy, there remains substantial room for growth in clean electricity generation, especially to minimize the state's reliance on fossil fuels and imports.
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
Despite the evident importance of electricity, Tennessee's overall electricity consumption on a per-person basis has been declining, contrary to past growth trends. In 2005, residents consumed around 18,256 kWh per person, a record that far exceeds the current consumption level of approximately 15,102 kWh per person. This reduction of over 3,000 kWh per person indicates notable energy conservation or efficiency improvements. Nonetheless, the dip in low-carbon electricity generation from a personal consumption perspective is concerning. From a peak of 7,293 kWh per person in 2020, low-carbon generation has decreased to roughly 4,633 kWh per person, a fall of about 2,659 kWh. This drop calls for urgent measures to boost low-carbon electricity generation to not only sustain but increase clean energy consumption over fossil-based sources.
Suggestions
To grow low-carbon electricity generation in Tennessee, a strategic expansion of nuclear energy should be prioritized, given its existing substantial contribution. Looking at best practices from regions with a strong reliance on low-carbon sources, Tennessee might take inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for 69% and 64% of the electricity generation respectfully. South Carolina's impressive 53% from nuclear highlights a viable path among U.S. states. Similarly, leveraging solar power—one of the cleanest low-carbon options—could be inspired by Namibia and New Mexico, where solar energy accounts for close to 30% and more. Implementing these strategies could significantly increase Tennessee’s clean electricity production, allowing it to shift away from fossil fuels more aggressively, thereby reducing harmful emissions and promoting a healthier environment.
History
Historically, Tennessee's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed fluctuations, especially in nuclear energy production. In the mid-2000s, there was a notable decline, particularly in 2006 with a decrease of 3.1 TWh, followed by a hopeful resurgence in 2007 with gains in both nuclear (4 TWh) and hydroelectricity, despite a setback in hydro. However, the recent years remain concerning, with 2024 and 2025 experiencing significant decreases, specifically in nuclear electricity, with reductions of 5.8 TWh and 7 TWh, respectively. These trends highlight the critical need for strategic investments and policies supporting nuclear infrastructure to regain and exceed past productivity levels. By learning from these patterns, Tennessee can better plan its energy future, ensuring sustained and increased contributions from clean and sustainable energy sources, aligning with a global shift towards more responsible and ecologically considerate energy practices.