Electricity in Greece in 2023

In Greece, as of 2023, nearly half of the electricity consumed comes from low-carbon sources, with fossil fuels accounting for a slightly less fraction. Among the low-carbon energy sources, wind and solar power are substantial contributors, both being close to a fifth of the total energy mix. Primarily, non-renewable gas forms almost a third of the nation's energy diet, while coal subsumes just under a tenth. Hydropower also chips in, albeit slightly less than coal. At the same time, about just over a tenth of the electricity need is met by net imports.

Suggestions

To increase their low-carbon electricity generation, Greece could potentially benefit from expanding existing wind and solar capacities, considering they already play a significant role in the current energy mix. They could look to Denmark, where wind power forms a substantial part (around 60%) of the electricity mix, as an exemplar in harnessing wind power. Additionally, although Greece doesn't currently utilize nuclear power, they could take a leaf out of France's book, where nuclear power forms about two-thirds of the electricity, or even Slovakia and Ukraine, where nuclear power accounts for a little over half of the electricity mix.

History

Upon reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Greece, there is a noticeable trend in the hydroelectric domain. The 1980s marked a slight decrease in hydroelectric power generation, which continued into the early 2000s, albeit with some minor inconsistencies. The last two decades have shown some increase, yet without a consistent trend. On the other hand, solar power has seen a boost, particularly from 2013 onwards. Although wind power experienced a minor setback in 2023, it's contribution towards sustainable, green energy in Greece has been increasing over the past few years. Notably, biofuels made their entry into the Greek energy landscape in 2019, albeit contributing a marginal amount to the overall energy mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources