Electricity in Greece in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Greece's electricity consumption illustrates a balanced combination of green and traditional energy sources, with low-carbon electricity accounting for more than half of the mix. Clean energy was primarily generated from solar and wind, with both sources contributing nearly a quarter each—specifically, 22.45% from solar and 21.76% from wind. Hydropower, another clean source, added roughly 8% to this low-carbon total. In contrast, fossil fuels, mainly gas, accounted for 38.76%, while coal contributed about 7%, making up a little less than half of the electricity generation. Greece's consumption patterns indicate a substantial reliance on both clean energy and fossil fuels, with net imports from other regions contributing marginally around 2%. This distribution underscores the potential for Greece to enhance its clean energy portfolio to further reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, which are implicated in climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, Greece can build on its robust wind and solar foundations. Expanding these sectors can increase the clean energy share beyond the current more than half, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Observations from successful nations such as Denmark, which generates almost 60% of its electricity from wind, underscore the viability of expanding wind energy. Likewise, Greece can benefit from adopting innovative practices and technologies similar to those employed by these nations. Moreover, Greece might consider exploring nuclear energy, as countries like Slovakia and France achieve significant energy output—60% and 67%, respectively—through nuclear power. This strategy offers a consistent and reliable clean energy source, complementing the more variable solar and wind resources.

History

Historically, Greece has seen various transformations in low-carbon electricity generation. In the 1980s, hydropower experienced minor fluctuations such as a decrease in 1983. The early 21st century marked a period of volatility for hydropower, with notable declines in 2001 and 2007 contrasted by growth in subsequent years like 2003 and 2009. The 2010s saw advancements in solar energy beginning in 2013, with substantial solar and wind energy contributions continuing into the 2020s. Notably, solar energy has shown consistent growth, with expansions in consecutive years from 2013 onwards. Wind has also contributed significantly, particularly in 2020. This blend of solar and wind initiatives positions Greece favorably to continue its journey towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future, as seen with national efforts to diversify away from the cleaner but variable hydropower source.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources