In 2024, Estonia's electricity consumption showcases a mix of energy sources with varied contributions. Low-carbon energy, incorporating both domestic generation and net imports, accounts for more than half of the total electricity consumption, with 38% derived from low-carbon sources within its borders. Specifically, biofuels, wind, and solar make up approximately 15%, 13%, and 10%, respectively. Fossil energy has a share of about 29%, symbolizing its continued yet diminishing role. Net imports, which largely include electricity from various sources, supply roughly a third of Estonia's total electricity needs, showcasing Estonia's dependence on energy exchanges with neighboring countries. The distribution emphasizes a positive trend towards clean energy generation within the nation, although fossil fuel usage still represents nearly a third of the sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Estonia?
Estonia's overall electricity consumption per person is currently at 6,568 kWh, notably dropping by 5,122 kWh/person from its highest point in 1986. This decline could be seen as a cause for concern, perhaps pointing to changes in industrial activity or improvements in energy efficiency. However, a brighter spot is seen in the surge of low-carbon electricity, which stands at 2,516 kWh/person, signifying an increase of 282 kWh/person since 2020. This upward trend highlights progress and achievement in Estonia's transition toward a cleaner energy mix, and the growth in low-carbon energy generation reflects a crucial step toward healthier environmental outcomes and sustainability.
Suggestions
Estonia can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing wind and solar capacity, given their current significant contributions to the electricity mix. Learning from other countries could provide valuable insights. For instance, Denmark and the Netherlands have proven successful with wind energy, achieving about 52% and close to a third of their electricity from wind, respectively. These examples suggest that with a similar climate and geographical advantages, Estonia could derive more electricity from wind through strategic investments and improvements. Nuclear energy remains another promising option, as evidenced by countries like Finland and Slovakia, where nuclear supplies around 38% to 62% of electricity needs. This demonstrates how investing in nuclear technology could significantly bolster Estonia's clean energy capabilities, especially as the world progresses toward increased electrification.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Estonia reveals a concerted shift toward cleaner energy options over the decades. In the late 2000s through the 2010s, biofuels saw incremental growth. Wind energy experienced a steady rise, with slight fluctuations, notably a decline in 2016, followed by a rebound in subsequent years. Solar energy emerged more recently, seeing growth beginning in 2020 and gradually increasing each year. The last few years have seen positive strides, particularly in wind and solar technologies, as reflected by the notable increases in 2023 and 2024. This historical trend is a testament to Estonia's broader commitment to sustainable energy development, significantly enhancing its clean electricity generation, something that paves the way for future renewable milestones.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.