In 2025, the state of electricity consumption in Bulgaria reflects a significant reliance on low-carbon sources. Low-carbon electricity, which includes nuclear, solar, hydropower, biofuels, and wind, makes up more than two-thirds of the electricity consumed. Nuclear plays a significant role, providing almost 40% of the electricity. Solar energy follows with almost a fifth of total electricity consumption, while hydropower and wind together contribute over 10%. In contrast, fossil fuel usage, largely from coal and gas, accounts for just over a quarter of electricity consumption. Coal remains the dominant fossil fuel at over 20%, with gas contributing a smaller share. This structure highlights Bulgaria's commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy, although there is still room to reduce fossil fuel reliance further.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bulgaria?
Examining trends in overall electricity consumption in Bulgaria shows a decline compared to the previous record in 2011. The current consumption of 5482 kWh per person is approximately 1400 kWh lower than the record 6883 kWh per person. In contrast, there is positive news in the realm of low-carbon electricity generation, which has reached a new high at 3968 kWh per person, up by 145 kWh from the previous record in 2024. This increase in clean electricity generation is a promising trend, indicating a focus on sustainable growth even as total electricity consumption has experienced a decline. It is crucial for Bulgaria to continue expanding low-carbon electricity sources to meet future demand and support ongoing efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Bulgaria should focus on expanding existing nuclear and solar capacities. As low-carbon leaders, both play crucial roles in sustainable energy. Observing success in other regions could offer valuable insights. France and Slovakia demonstrate how substantial nuclear investments can result in sustainable energy systems, with their nuclear generation at over 65%. On the solar front, North Macedonia and states like Nevada showcase how high solar generation percentages can be achieved. Emulating these successful approaches could significantly enhance Bulgaria’s clean energy infrastructure. Particularly, investing in solar, which is already a substantial contributor in Bulgaria, offers incredible potential for future growth, alongside expanding nuclear capacity for reliable and efficient energy.
History
Historically, Bulgaria has seen both strides and setbacks in low-carbon electricity generation. During the 1980s and until the late 1990s, nuclear energy in Bulgaria experienced notable growth, with increases in output evident in the early years. However, the early 2000s witnessed some declines in nuclear electricity generation, notably a significant drop in 2007, which was concerning. Despite these setbacks, there were periods of recovery and growth with 2005 and 2014 marking positive gains. Similarly, hydropower faced fluctuations, with both gains and declines throughout the 2010s and beyond. The recent boost in solar energy in 2024 signals a promising direction towards expanding low-carbon sources to a more remarkable portion of Bulgaria's electricity portfolio. This history denotes the need for a strong commitment to the continual growth of clean energy sources like nuclear and solar to ensure sustainable development.
