In 2025, Estonia's electricity consumption reveals a mixed energy landscape. More than a third of the country's electricity needs are met through net imports, which indicates a significant reliance on external sources. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources account for over a third of the electricity consumed, demonstrating a substantial contribution from clean energy types such as wind, solar, and biofuels. Notably, wind energy alone contributes close to a sixth of the total energy consumption, showcasing its importance as a key low-carbon resource. However, fossil fuels still make up nearly a quarter of the electricity consumed, with oil and coal comprising the bulk of this category. The ongoing reliance on fossil fuels poses concerns given the urgent need to address climate change and reduce air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?
Electricity consumption in Estonia appears to be on the decline rather than growing. The latest per capita electricity use figures stand at about 5648 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the historical peak of approximately 11690 kWh per person recorded in 1986. This represents a decrease of over 6000 kWh per person, signalling a concerning trend. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a recent downturn, decreasing by about 321 kWh per person since the record set in 2024. These decreasing trends in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption are worrisome, especially considering the increasing global demand for electricity driven by electrification and the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Estonia should expand its existing wind and solar capabilities, which already contribute significantly to the country's clean energy portfolio. Learning from successful regions can also guide Estonia in this pursuit. Countries like Denmark and states such as Iowa have demonstrated considerable success with wind energy, showing that a substantial proportion of electricity can come from wind power. Additionally, the nuclear energy capabilities of France, Slovakia, and Ukraine illustrate the potential of nuclear energy as a clean energy source. Estonia can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by adopting strategies from these regions and exploring opportunities for developing nuclear energy infrastructure to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Estonia reveals fluctuating developments over time. In the early 2000s, biofuels saw growth with moderate increments from 2009 to 2012, though they later experienced slight declines and rebounds. Similarly, wind energy faced minor setbacks in 2016 but recovered with positive growth in subsequent years, with a notable increase in 2024. Solar energy emerged as a promising source in recent years, showing steady progress since 2020. The decline in biofuels in 2025 is concerning, but the uplift in wind energy generation that same year, albeit modest, is encouraging. It is crucial for Estonia to capitalize on these positive trends, particularly in wind and solar, to build a more sustainable low-carbon electricity landscape.
