Electricity Generation Mix

Did you know Illinois has a diverse electricity generation mix, which serves to enhance energy reliability?

As of 2022, Illinois generates 53.38% of electricity from nuclear power, 32.89% from fossil fuels (comprising of coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases), and 13.73% from renewables (comprising of wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass). As far as renewable resources go, wind is leading as the state’s primary renewable energy source. In Illinois, a significant portion of the electricity mix is transitioning towards renewable sources. In 1990, renewable energy accounted for only 0.23% of Illinois' total in-state electricity generation. In 2022, that number has increased to 13.73%. With tens of thousands of new solar projects coming online, solar generation is poised to increase to help meet consumer interests and demand as well as state climate goals.

As the nation’s top nuclear power generator and fifth-largest electricity producer, Illinois generates more electricity than it consumes and is a net exporter or electricity.

Explore the Electricity Generation visualizations to trace Illinois' evolution in electricity generation – and to see how the state’s electricity generation mix compares to its Midwest counterparts. The visualizations offer users a detailed look into Illinois’ transition from traditional to renewable energy.

Disclaimer: Data for the Electricity Generation Mix is gathered from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and is updated annually. The next update is expected to take place in October 2024.