Electricity in Greece in 2023

As of 2023, Greece's electricity consumption shows a balanced distribution between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon sources generate nearly half of the electricity, with significant contributions from wind and solar, which account for approximately 20% and 17% respectively. Hydropower also contributes around 7%, while biofuels add just over 1%. Fossil fuels, including gas and coal, make up about 45% of the electricity generation, with gas being the largest contributor at almost 29% and coal providing close to 9%. Net imports of electricity account for a bit more than 9%, playing a notable role in the country's energy mix.

Suggestions

To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Greece can expand its existing wind and solar power infrastructure, given their already substantial economic footprint. By looking at countries with successful implementations of low-carbon energy, Greece can draw valuable lessons. For instance, Denmark generates more than half of its electricity from wind, showcasing the potential for even higher penetration of wind energy. Neighboring countries like Bulgaria and Slovakia, which generate around 40-62% of their electricity from nuclear power, can serve as models for Greece to explore nuclear energy as a reliable and sustainable source. By investing in these proven clean energy technologies, Greece can significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, with the added benefit of mitigating climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, Greece's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced various fluctuations. In the early 1980s, hydropower saw a decrease of 1.3 TWh in 1983. The early 2000s witnessed mixed changes, with significant decreases in hydropower in 2001 and 2007 but also marked increases in 2003, 2009, and 2010. Similarly, the 2010s were characterized by fluctuations, including increases in solar energy, which saw a notable jump of 2 TWh in 2013. Wind energy saw a surge in 2020, contributing an additional 2 TWh. The most recent years have seen continued growth in solar energy, with increases of 1.9 TWh in 2022 and 2.3 TWh in 2023. Overall, these changes indicate a trend toward more significant investments in various forms of low-carbon electricity generation, laying a strong foundation for sustainable energy practices in the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources