Over the past twelve months, from November 2024 to October 2025, Estonia has sourced more than 40% of its electricity from low-carbon energy sources. Almost a third of Estonia's electricity comes from net imports, which mostly include various forms of low-carbon electricity. Fossil fuel sources contribute to just under a quarter of the total electricity generation, with coal being the largest fossil source at about 19%. Among the low-carbon sources, wind power stands out, providing 18% of the electricity, while solar and biofuels contribute approximately 11% and 10%, respectively. Oil, representing about 2%, forms a minor part of the fossil energy mix. This diversified electricity profile highlights Estonia's remarkable progress towards a more sustainable and clean energy mix, despite some dependence on imports and coal.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?
In terms of electricity consumption, Estonia's current per capita consumption is 5502 kWh, a significant decrease from its peak of 11690 kWh per person in 1986. This drop of more than 6000 kWh indicates a notable shift, reflecting either increased energy efficiency or possible constraints in supply. The latest figures for low-carbon electricity generation per capita have slightly decreased, reaching 2222 kWh from last year's record of 2395 kWh, marking a decline of 173 kWh. While overall electricity consumption has reduced, the setback in low-carbon generation is particularly concerning given the global focus on sustainable energy transitions. Estonia needs to aim for constant growth in electricity, especially low-carbon, to meet demands for electrification and technological advancement.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Estonia could consider expanding wind and solar power installations, as these technologies already contribute significantly to its electricity mix. Learning from successful countries like Denmark, which generates almost half of its electricity from wind, or regions like Nevada with about 30% from solar, Estonia can strive to enhance its clean energy capacity. Additionally, incorporating nuclear energy, as seen in countries like Slovakia and France, where nuclear provides over half of the electricity, could offer Estonia a reliable and substantial source of low-carbon electricity. Embracing such strategies will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, addressing major environmental concerns like climate change, and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
History
Exploring Estonia’s history in low-carbon electricity reveals that significant progress has been made, particularly in the last decades of the 21st century. In the early 2010s, biofuel contributions were notable, steadily increasing except for a dip in 2013. Wind energy has also seen meaningful growth, despite a minor setback in 2016. In recent years, solar energy has significantly expanded, with notable gains in both 2021 and 2024. However, 2025 saw a decline in biofuels and a modest increase in wind. These developments signify a trend towards diversification in clean energy sources, yet they also underline the need for consistent growth in sustainable electricity generation to meet future challenges. Estonia's efforts in transitioning to low-carbon should continue, focusing on technologies with the highest potential for expansion.
