From September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Tennessee demonstrates a mixed contribution from different energy sources. During this period, more than a third of the state's electricity was garnered through net imports, showing a significant reliance on external sources. Low-carbon electricity made up nearly a third of the consumption, reinforced by nuclear and hydropower which accounted for around one-fifth and a smaller seventh respectively. Solar energy, while an emerging player, contributed just over 1%, including utility-scale projects. Fossil fuels still played a substantial role, comprising almost a third of the energy mix, with coal and gas providing fairly equal shares around 16% each. Despite the steady contribution of low-carbon sources, the state still leans on fossil energy, which highlights the potential for growth and the transition to cleaner alternatives.
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Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
Examining electricity consumption patterns, Tennessee shows a detectable decline from its highest recorded consumption in 2005. As of 2025, the state's electricity usage per person decreased notably by a significant margin compared to the historic record, indicating a demand contraction or improvements in energy efficiency. The generation of low-carbon electricity has also fallen, with recent numbers showing a decline compared to their previous peak in 2020. This suggests a need to rejuvenate clean energy production to both meet present energy needs and combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation associated with fossil fuel use. Growth in low-carbon generation will be instrumental in addressing these challenges going forward, particularly if Tennessee aims to match or surpass previous levels while adhering to global carbon reduction targets.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Tennessee may focus on expanding its nuclear capabilities, as nuclear power constitutes a significant portion of its current low-carbon output. Learning from regions with a successful clean electricity track record could also be advantageous. Notably, France and South Carolina have effectively utilized nuclear energy, yielding high percentages of their electricity from this clean source. Similarly, Nevada's substantial solar output exemplifies the potential for harnessing solar energy, which Tennessee could emulate through the expansion of its solar capacity. These insights pave the way for Tennessee to enhance its sustainable electricity infrastructure creatively and effectively, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner future.
History
In reviewing Tennessee's historical low-carbon electricity generation, the state has exhibited a significant variance, particularly in its nuclear capacity. The early 2000s saw a decline of 3.1 TWh in nuclear output in 2006, contrasted by occasional increases, such as a boost in 2007 and again from 2013 to 2017. However, the past few years have witnessed a troubling decline, with reductions of 5.8 TWh in 2024 and 6.1 TWh in 2025. Hydropower also experienced fluxes, with noted increases in 2009 and 2013, yet it similarly faced decreases, such as in 2014 and 2021. Addressing these inconsistencies, particularly the reductions in nuclear capacity, is critical as Tennessee seeks to stabilize and grow its low-carbon electricity contributions to meet rising demands.
