In 2024, Bulgaria's electricity consumption shows a promising inclination towards low-carbon sources, with more than three-quarters of its electricity derived from clean energy sources. Specifically, nuclear energy contributes to a substantial majority of the low-carbon electricity, making up nearly 42% of the total. Solar energy also plays a significant role, contributing over 14%, while hydropower and biofuels combine for around 13%. Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for a little over a quarter of the electricity supply, with coal being the dominant fossil source at nearly 23%. Gas contributes close to 4%, and wind adds another 4% to the clean energy mix. This shift towards low-carbon energy is an encouraging trend for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy use in Bulgaria.
Is Electricity Growing in Bulgaria?
Analyzing the patterns in electricity consumption reveals a mixed picture for Bulgaria. With the latest record of 5508 kWh per person, the total electricity consumption has fallen significantly from the previous record of 7366 kWh per person recorded in 2022. This represents a worrying decline of 1858 kWh per person. On a more positive note, the consumption of low-carbon electricity per person has increased to 4014 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. This rise indicates improvements in the clean energy sector, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in electricity generation, though it highlights the need for overall growth in electricity consumption to meet future demands related to electrification and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To further increase Bulgaria's low-carbon electricity generation, expanding both nuclear and solar energy capacities would be advisable. Bulgaria can look towards France, where nuclear energy accounts for about 68% of electricity, demonstrating the potential of nuclear as a reliable and substantial power source. Similarly, Lebanon's achievement in deriving 31% of its electricity from solar exemplifies the untapped potential of solar energy in sunny regions. Emulating similar strategies in Bulgaria could bolster its low-carbon electricity generation. Furthermore, observing wind energy leaders like Denmark and certain U.S. states might offer insights into the successful integration of diverse low-carbon technologies into the national grid.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Bulgaria has been marked by significant events, especially regarding nuclear and hydropower. In the 1980s, there was a notable expansion in nuclear energy, with significant increases in electricity generation. However, the early 1990s and mid-2000s experienced setbacks in nuclear output, which should be regarded as lost opportunities for furthering clean energy. Hydropower added to the diversity of low-carbon sources, with intermittent fluctuations observed in the last two decades. However, recent years have shown promising developments; for example, 2024 marked a significant increase in solar power, demonstrating a modern shift towards more sustainable sources. Bulgaria's history suggests a resilient energy sector capable of adopting and advancing low-carbon technologies, with the right strategies leading into a more sustainable future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.