Wisconsin's electricity consumption in 2024 reflects a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which make up more than half of the state's electricity generation. Specifically, 66% of the electricity comes from fossil energy sources, with gas contributing around 37% and coal approximately 29%. On the other hand, low-carbon sources account for nearly a quarter of the electricity generation, led primarily by nuclear power, which provides about 14%. Clean energy contributions from solar, wind, and hydropower collectively sum up to around 10%, each contributing around 4%, 3%, and 3% respectively. Net imports stand at nearly 10%, showing marginal external reliance. While Wisconsin is seeing some engagement with low-carbon sources, there's a significant need to concentrate on expanding these sources to address environmental concerns and drive sustainable growth.
Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?
Despite the importance of increasing electricity consumption to cater to growing electrification needs, Wisconsin's electricity usage per person has actually decreased. As of 2024, the total electricity consumption is approximately 12,158 kWh per person, marking a decrease from the peak consumption of about 13,377 kWh per person back in 2007. This decline suggests a reduction of over 1,200 kWh per person, highlighting a concerning downward trend. A similar pattern is noticeable with low-carbon electricity generation, which has dropped from its highest point in 2012 at 3,330 kWh per person to 3,008 kWh per person in 2024, a decrease of around 323 kWh. Such trends in both total and clean electricity consumption indicate a worrying stagnation, which could undermine Wisconsin's efforts to harness the benefits of a sustainable energy portfolio and meet future electricity demands.
Suggestions
To effectively bolster the low-carbon electricity share in Wisconsin, it is crucial to consider the expansion of existing nuclear capabilities, as nuclear already represents the dominant low-carbon contributor in the state. Additionally, Wisconsin can draw lessons from regions with successful clean energy infrastructures. For instance, France, with nuclear energy comprising 68% of its electricity mix, and Illinois, where nuclear contributes 53%, illustrate the expansive potential of nuclear power. Moreover, taking inspiration from states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind power forms 63% and 59% of their electricity portfolios respectively, Wisconsin can also expand its wind capacity. While solar currently plays a smaller role, learning from states with significant solar investments such as Nevada, where solar accounts for a notable 27%, could be immensely beneficial for Wisconsin to diversify its low-carbon generation sources.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Wisconsin has seen fluctuating trends over the years, particularly in nuclear power. In the mid-2000s, nuclear generation experienced fluctuating growth, with a slight decrease in 2005 and a notable increase in 2006. The late 2000s and early 2010s experienced a mix of increases and declines, with significant reductions in 2013 and 2014. Thankfully, there were some positive advancements as well; 2023 and 2024 marked increases in solar generation, indicating promising growth in this clean technology. Furthermore, the introduction of wind power in 2009 and consistent, albeit small, contributions from hydropower through various years, signal an ongoing commitment to diversifying the low-carbon electricity mix. However, the significant declines in nuclear generation over the years are concerning, emphasizing the need for a focused strategy to revive and grow this critical low-carbon sector. It is imperative for Wisconsin to address these fluctuations and strive for a substantial increase in its low-carbon electricity generation to meet future demands efficiently.