In 2024, Greece's electricity consumption reflects a nearly even split between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Fossil energy still holds a slight edge, making up more than half of the electricity supply, with gas being the dominant fossil fuel at around 38% of total consumption. Coal contributes a smaller fraction, under 6%. On the other hand, low-carbon sources are catching up, accounting for a bit less than half of Greece's electricity. Notably, wind and solar energy, each contributing close to 22%, are the main pillars of Greece's clean energy generation. Hydropower and biofuels offer additional clean electricity, yet their contributions remain modest, collectively providing around 7% of the total.
Is Electricity Growing in Greece?
When considering the trajectory of Greece's electricity consumption, it's essential to note that the overall electricity usage per person has decreased compared to the year 2008, which was the previous record year. In 2024, Greeks consumed approximately 5,587 kWh per person, a reduction of 674 kWh per person compared to the 2008 peak. However, there has been a promising surge in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 2,778 kWh per person in 2024—a significant gain of 407 kWh per person from the previous year's record. This growth indicates a positive trend towards cleaner electricity sources even while total consumption is yet to reach past high levels.
Suggestions
To further boost its low-carbon electricity sector, Greece can expand its already substantial wind and solar infrastructure. Lessons can be drawn from Denmark's successful wind strategy, where wind energy constitutes more than half of the electricity supply. Strengthening policies to encourage wind and solar investments will be instrumental. Furthermore, while nuclear energy currently plays no role in Greece's energy mix, the example of countries like Slovenia, where nuclear power represents a significant share of electricity, suggests that Greece could consider exploring nuclear options as a reliable supplement to its clean energy sources. Embracing these diverse low-carbon technologies will not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also aid in combating climate change and curbing pollution.
History
Examining Greece's history of low-carbon electricity reveals periods of fluctuation, particularly in hydropower, which saw notable ups and downs since the early 2000s. Between 2001 and 2022, hydropower experienced both significant declines, such as in 2007 and 2011, and recoveries, notably in 2009 and 2021. Meanwhile, solar energy has shown a more consistently upward trajectory, with vital expansions since 2013, culminating in a strong growth in 2024. Similarly, wind power made considerable progress starting in 2020, continuing through 2024. This gradual increase in both solar and wind energy highlights an encouraging shift towards sustainable electricity generation in Greece. Such historical insights reinforce the ongoing commitment needed to maintain and accelerate this momentum towards a cleaner energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.