Latvia's electricity consumption in 2025 showcases a shift towards cleaner energy sources, with more than half of its electricity generated from low-carbon options. Hydropower is the dominant source, making up around 41% of electricity generation, complemented by solar at around 9%, and biofuels contributing about 6% while wind accounts for nearly 3%. Despite this significant contribution to low-carbon electricity, the reliance on fossil fuels persists, as almost 22% of electricity is generated from gas. Additionally, close to 20% of Latvia's electricity is acquired through net imports. These figures highlight Latvia's commitment to low-carbon energy while underlining the need for ongoing transition efforts to further reduce dependency on fossil fuel-driven electricity.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?
When it comes to electricity growth, Latvia appears to be experiencing a slight decline. The total electricity consumption per person in 2025 is 3,863 kWh, slightly down from the previous peak of 3,960 kWh in 2018. This drop of 96 kWh per person is mirrored by a significant decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, which is now at 2,272 kWh per person, showing a considerable shortfall from the previous record of 2,812 kWh per person in 2017. The decrease by 540 kWh per person in low-carbon generation is concerning and suggests a need for strategic actions to bolster Latvia’s low-carbon electricity output to keep pace with future demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To reverse these trends and enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Latvia can look to successful strategies from similar regions. Countries like France and Slovakia boast nuclear power accounting for approximately two-thirds of their electricity, showcasing the potential for Latvia to harness nuclear energy as a robust low-carbon solution. Moreover, Denmark and Iowa illustrate the power of wind energy, where it contributes up to 60%. To diversify its low-carbon portfolio effectively, Latvia should invest in both nuclear and solar energy, drawing inspiration from countries like Lebanon and Chile where solar energy accounts for over 30% and 25% of electricity, respectively. By adopting a proactive approach in these areas, Latvia can ensure a sustainable and clean energy future.
History
Turning to the history of low-carbon electricity in Latvia, fluctuations in hydropower generation have been notable over the decades. In the late 1980s to early 1990s, the country witnessed significant variability in hydroelectricity, with alternating years of increase and decrease. This pattern persisted through the late 1990s and into the 2000s, emphasizing the volatility of relying heavily on hydropower alone. The more recent decades have continued to echo this trend, punctuated by a notable rise in hydropower generation in 2017 followed by a decrease in 2018 and subsequent upswing in 2023. Such historical shifts call attention to the unpredictability of single-source reliance, underscoring the necessity for Latvia to prioritize stable, scalable low-carbon energy sources like solar and nuclear as part of a diversified and resilient energy strategy.
