Over the twelve months from August 2024 to July 2025, Bulgaria's electricity consumption reflects a significant tilt towards low-carbon sources, with clean energy constituting around two-thirds of the total output. Specifically, nuclear power plays a dominant role within this segment, generating slightly more than 40% of the country's electricity. Meanwhile, solar energy contributes approximately 16% and hydropower offers a modest 6%. On the fossil fuel side, coal remains a notable player by delivering a little over 28%, while gas accounts for just above 5%. Wind power, although a low contributor at about 3%, rounds out the clean energy profile of Bulgaria. Fossil fuels, collectively, make up a third of the country's energy landscape, displaying a noticeable presence yet not overshadowing the clean energy advancements.
Is Electricity Growing in Bulgaria?
Although clean energy sources are a significant portion of Bulgaria's electricity profile, overall electricity consumption per person has declined compared to previous benchmarks. In 2025, the total consumption fell to 5561 kWh per person from a record high of 7366 kWh per person in 2022. This represents a reduction of nearly 1800 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity, while still dominant, registered a decrease from the previous year's peak, declining by about 300 kWh per person. These numbers indicate a worrying trend of decreased electricity utilization which might pose challenges as Bulgaria aims to address future growth and electrification needs.
Suggestions
To boost its clean energy generation, Bulgaria should look at expanding the nuclear and solar sectors, given their sizeable shares in its current energy mix. Drawing inspiration from other regions can provide useful strategies. France and Slovakia, for example, heavily rely on nuclear energy, generating about 69% and 64% of their electricity respectively, showcasing how a strong nuclear infrastructure can elevate low-carbon output. On the solar front, Nevada and Lebanon have made significant strides, with solar energy comprising 29% and 31% of their total electricity production. Emulating these models, Bulgaria can prioritize solar expansion, supported by its favorable sunlight conditions, and bolster its nuclear capabilities for sustainable growth in clean electricity.
History
The historical trends in Bulgaria's low-carbon electricity production reveal notable shifts, especially in nuclear power which has experienced fluctuations. In the 1980s and 1990s, nuclear generation saw periods of growth, with significant increases in 1981 and 1988. However, certain years such as 1992, 2003, and particularly 2007, witnessed considerable declines. Despite these variations, Bulgaria has managed to achieve growth phases, notable in 1995 and 2000. In recent years, hydropower has fluctuated as well, with increases recorded in 2010, 2018, and 2021, whereas solar energy saw a promising rise in 2024. These trends illuminate Bulgaria's capacity for clean energy expansion, providing a foundation that, if strategically enhanced, could lead to substantial improvements in the country's low-carbon electricity output in the coming decades.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.