Over the past 12 months, from September 2025 to August 2026, Estonia's electricity consumption has been significantly supported by low-carbon sources, accounting for roughly 44% of the total electricity mix. Notably, wind and solar alone contribute to more than 30% of the total electricity usage, with wind providing almost 16% and solar just over 15%. Biofuels add another 13%, bolstering Estonia's commitment to clean electricity. In contrast, fossil sources account for a relatively small portion of the electricity mix, with coal contributing a negligible 1.2%. Additionally, net imports make a substantial 37% of the electricity consumed, highlighting Estonia's dependence on external electricity sources.

Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?

Electricity consumption in Estonia has not shown recent growth and, in fact, has seen a decline when compared to historical benchmarks. The current electricity usage per person stands at 5,844 kWh, much lower than the peak of 11,690 kWh/person recorded in 1986. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has experienced a slight decrease, from 2,620 kWh/person in 2025 to 2,590 kWh/person in 2026. This trend indicates a need for prioritizing growth in clean electricity to meet future energy demands, especially as electrification and technological advancements continue to rise.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Estonia should focus on expanding its existing wind and solar power infrastructure, which already contributes significantly to the electricity mix. Moreover, Estonia could gain valuable insights from countries like Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy constitutes nearly 60% of their electricity generation, and from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy forms over 65% of the electricity mix. Adopting nuclear power could be particularly beneficial for Estonia, given its ability to provide a stable and reliable green energy supply, complementing the intermittent nature of wind and solar.

History

In examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Estonia, biofuels saw consistent growth in the late 2000s and early 2010s, peaking in 2010. Despite some fluctuations, wind and solar have witnessed stronger growth over recent years. In 2020 and 2024, there were marked surges in wind and solar generation, with significant positive changes in both 2024 and 2025. These trends reflect a positive trajectory towards greater reliance on sustainable energy, and while the past decades have witnessed challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent growth, Estonia's future in low-carbon electricity holds promise if proactive expansion plans are set in motion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.