Currently, Estonia's electricity consumption is a mix of low-carbon and fossil sources. Low-carbon energy sources, which include wind, solar, and biofuels, account for a significant portion of Estonia's electricity generation, contributing more than half when combined with net imports. Specifically, wind contributes almost 13%, solar approximately 10%, and biofuels close to 15%. On the other hand, fossil energy accounts for nearly 30% of the electricity consumed in the country, with oil being the predominant source at more than 22% and coal just under 7%. Net imports constitute a substantial part of the electricity mix, supplying close to a third of the total consumption, highlighting the importance of Estonia's integration with neighboring energy markets.
Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?
Electricity consumption in Estonia has experienced a notable decline compared to past decades. With the latest consumption figures standing at 6548 kWh per person, there has been a significant reduction from the previous record of 11690 kWh per person set in 1986. This represents a decrease of over 5000 kWh per person, indicating a shrinking domestic consumption or a shift towards more efficient use of electricity. However, there is a silver lining, as low-carbon electricity generation has improved, marking a new peak of 2508 kWh per person, surpassing the earlier record in 2020 by 275 kWh per person. This growth in low-carbon generation is a positive trend, though the overall decline in electricity demand might indicate challenges in meeting future needs as consumption patterns evolve.
Suggestions
Looking forward, Estonia could enhance low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its already significant wind and solar installations. Countries like Iowa and South Dakota have successfully harnessed wind energy, generating over 50% of their electricity from this source, serving as a model for Estonia, which already benefits from robust wind resources. Additionally, nuclear energy, a cornerstone in France and Slovakia's electricity sector at over 60%, could play a critical role in Estonia's energy strategy. Incorporating nuclear energy can provide a stable and sustainable base load generation to balance intermittent sources like wind and solar, helping Estonia reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. By learning from these regions, Estonia can ensure a sustainable electricity future, aligning with global energy trends.
History
In the history of Estonia's low-carbon electricity generation, the early 2000s saw modest gains from biofuels, with incremental increases recorded in several years, though there were slight declines in 2013 and recent years. Wind energy experienced gradual growth, offset by minor setbacks like the decline in 2016, only to pick back up again. The solar sector has shown steady increases, notably from 2020 onwards, coinciding with global solar advancements. While biofuels had some growth, attention on expanding solar and wind installations has been more pronounced. Nevertheless, diversification, including nuclear energy, would undoubtedly bolster Estonia's clean energy profile, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.