As of 2025, Estonia's electricity consumption is characterized by a mix of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon sources, representing just over 43% of Estonia's electricity generation, include wind, biofuels, and solar energy. Among these, wind and biofuels each account for roughly 16% and 14%, respectively, and solar energy is also contributing significantly with around 14%. In addition to its domestic generation, Estonia relies significantly on net imports, making up about 36% of its electricity supply. Fossil fuels still contribute about 20% to the energy mix, a notable portion considering the negative impacts of such sources on the environment and climate change.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?
Examining Estonia's electricity consumption trends reveals a worrying stagnation when compared to historical records. The current electricity consumption is around 6,040 kWh per person, which reflects a decrease of over 5,650 kWh per person since the record-high in 1986. Despite this overall decline, there is a silver lining in the growth of low-carbon electricity generation, with the latest data indicating an increase of 225 kWh per person from 2024, setting a new record for clean energy. This suggests a positive trend towards a more sustainable energy future, although the overall consumption stagnation is concerning for a country that must meet increasing future energy demands.
Suggestions
To enhance its clean electricity generation, Estonia should focus on expanding its wind and solar energy capabilities. These technologies, already in substantial use, could be further developed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and imports. Learning from the success stories of regions like Denmark and Iowa, which generate over half of their electricity from wind, Estonia can amplify its wind energy production. Furthermore, Estonia could benefit from incorporating nuclear power into its energy strategy. Countries like France and Slovakia offer valuable lessons, having achieved low-carbon electricity production of over 65% through nuclear power. By combining expanded solar, wind, and nuclear generation, Estonia can secure a cleaner, more self-reliant energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Estonia has shown several positive developments over the past decade. Between 2009 and the early 2020s, biofuels saw regular increases, although this growth was occasionally interrupted by minor declines. Wind energy experienced fluctuations but generally maintained a steady upward trend. Solar power started contributing modestly in 2020 and has been steadily increasing ever since. However, the fluctuating nature of biofuels illustrates the need for more reliable growth in clean energy, underscoring the importance of developing strong policies and investments for continuous advancement in solar and nuclear power generation. This strategic focus will ensure long-term advancement towards a sustainable, low-carbon electricity vision for Estonia.
