In Latvia, more than half of the electricity consumed in 2025 is produced from low-carbon sources, which is a positive step towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. Hydropower is the cornerstone of Latvia's clean electricity, generating more than 40% of the total electricity consumption. Solar energy and biofuels also contribute to the low-carbon mix, together making up over 15%, whereas wind provides close to 3%. On the other hand, fossil fuels, specifically gas, account for nearly 22% of electricity consumption, contributing to climate change and air pollution, highlighting an area where improvement is needed. Net imports of electricity constitute about a fifth of the total, indicating a reliance on external sources for meeting energy demands.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?
Though striving for clean electricity, Latvia's overall electricity consumption per person has decreased since 2018, standing at 3861 kWh/person in 2025, down by 99 kWh/person from the record high. The contribution of low-carbon electricity also shows a decline, with the latest numbers indicating a drop to 2269 kWh/person compared to the 2017 record of 2812 kWh/person. This stagnation is concerning as the importance of increasing electricity consumption, especially from low-carbon sources, cannot be overstated to fuel economic growth and support the electrification of various sectors.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Latvia can look to successful regions with similar characteristics. For example, embracing nuclear energy could transform Latvia's energy landscape, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively. Expanding solar energy, inspired by places like Nevada and Lebanon which generate over 30% of their electricity from solar, could significantly bolster Latvia's low-carbon energy portfolio. Wind energy is another area for potential development, learning from countries like Denmark and states like Iowa, where wind contributes to more than half of their electricity generation.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Latvia, particularly hydropower, has seen fluctuations over the years. The late 1980s and early 1990s marked both significant gains and sharp declines in hydropower output, with similar trends occurring in the late 1990s and early 2010s. These fluctuations underscore the importance of diversifying Latvia's clean energy sources. By ensuring stability and growth in low-carbon electricity, particularly through investment in solar and nuclear, Latvia can secure a sustainable energy future and mitigate the impact of fossil fuels.
