Electricity in Estonia in 2023/2024

Over the past 12 months, from November 2023 to October 2024, electricity consumption in Estonia was divided among net imports, low-carbon sources, and fossil fuel sources. Net imports accounted for slightly more than a third of Estonia's electricity, which indicates a significant level of reliance on external sources. Low-carbon electricity generation comprised almost a third of the total consumption, originating from solar (roughly 12%), wind (close to 12%), and biofuels (around 7%). Fossil energy made up nearly a third of the mix, with oil contributing just over one-fifth and coal at around 6%. This mixture signifies a balanced, yet transition-in-progress situation in Estonia's electricity generation landscape, with low-carbon and fossil contributions nearly equal in their shares.

Suggestions

To enhance Estonia's production of low-carbon electricity, the country could further expand its wind and solar capabilities as these are already substantial contributors. Noteworthy insights can be gleaned from Denmark and Uruguay, where wind power contributes significantly to the electricity mix, at 59% and 36% respectively, highlighting the potential for wind energy in climate conditions or regions similar to Estonia. Furthermore, looking at Estonia's European neighbors, several countries such as Finland and Slovakia derive a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear power, suggesting Estonia could explore nuclear energy development to bolster its low-carbon generation. Emulating these countries' strategies can significantly aid Estonia in reducing its reliance on imports and fossil fuel sources, thereby aiming for a more sustainable electricity sector.

History

Historical patterns in Estonia's low-carbon electricity generation reveal modest yet incremental growth over the past decades, with some fluctuations. During the 2010s, incremental increases were noted in biofuels and wind energy, both receiving gradual boosts in output. In 2020, there was a promising increase in solar and wind electricity generation, evidencing the potential for growth in these sectors. More recently, from 2023 into early 2024, growth continued slightly in solar and wind, despite a reduction in biofuels—highlighting the resiliency and promise of wind and solar power as practical spearheads for Estonia's low-carbon future. It underlines the consistent, albeit gradual, movement towards cleaner energy sources, reinforcing the need for sustained momentum in this transition.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources