In Wyoming, the current state of electricity consumption from June 2024 to May 2025 shows that fossil fuels play a major role, constituting over 70% of the total electricity generated. Specifically, coal leads the pack with around 58%, while gas contributes about 13%. On the brighter side, low-carbon or clean energy sources are responsible for close to one-third of the electricity. Wind power is the predominant clean energy source, accounting for nearly 25% of the total electricity supply. Meanwhile, contributions from hydropower and solar are more modest, at nearly 2% and just over 1%, respectively. Despite these encouraging signs, there's a pressing need to further boost clean energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are notorious for contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Wyoming?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption in Wyoming reveals a mixed picture. The latest data indicates that the state's total electricity consumption per person is 74,362 kWh. While this reflects a significant decrease of nearly 16,000 kWh per person from the usage in 2013, it's noteworthy that the state has seen growth in low-carbon electricity generation. The latest figures show that low-carbon electricity generation per person has reached 20,843 kWh, which is up by 2,439 kWh from the former peak in 2022. Although overall electricity consumption is declining, the increase in low-carbon generation is an encouraging sign and highlights a shift toward sustainable energy sources that must be aggressively pursued.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Wyoming should consider expanding its wind energy capacity, which already plays a significant role in the state's energy portfolio. Additionally, lessons from regions with successful low-carbon strategies can illuminate the path forward. For example, Iowa and South Dakota have leveraged substantial wind capacity, generating over 60% of their electricity from this source, which Wyoming could emulate. On the solar front, Nevada and Lebanon, with solar electricity generation around 29% and 31% respectively, serve as models for integrating more solar power into the energy mix. Moreover, embracing nuclear energy, as exemplified by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for 64% to 69% of the electricity, could be transformative for Wyoming, providing reliable and consistent low-carbon energy.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Wyoming highlights a dynamic progression, especially in wind power development. In the late 2000s, there was gradual growth, with notable increments such as 1.3 TWh in 2009 and 1.4 TWh in 2011. The years 2011 and 2020 saw another significant boost, adding 2.9 TWh in 2021. However, these ups and downs also include some setbacks, such as a decline of 0.6 TWh in 2015 and 1.1 TWh in 2023. More recently, wind energy witnessed notable growth with an additional 1.5 TWh in 2025, illustrating a positive trajectory. As for hydropower, its contribution saw smaller fluctuations, ultimately ending with slight reductions in the early 2010s. The addition of solar energy, evidenced by an increase of 0.2 TWh in the latest year, is a promising development. Overall, while the journey has been fraught with challenges, Wyoming's clean energy efforts demonstrate a pivotal shift towards sustainability, which if pursued vigorously, holds promise for a greener future.