Over the past year, from September 2025 to August 2026, Latvia's electricity consumption has been primarily sourced from low-carbon resources, comprising around 66%. Hydropower represents the single largest share of this clean electricity at more than one-third of total consumption. Solar power follows closely, contributing to about a fifth of the electricity consumed. However, fossil energy, particularly gas, still accounts for almost a quarter of Latvia's electricity usage, underscoring a reliance on non-clean sources. Net imports make up approximately 10%, while wind contributes a modest 4%. Biofuels, while considered low-carbon, play a minor role, contributing about 5% to the electricity mix.

Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?

Despite the pressing need to enhance electricity use for contemporary and future demands, Latvia's per capita electricity consumption has not reached its previous peak. The latest figures report 3,881 kWh per person, a slight decrease from the 2018 high of 3,960 kWh. Even more concerning, low-carbon electricity generation also has dropped from a record of 2,812 kWh per person in 2017 to 2,547 kWh per person in 2026. This decrease highlights the challenge Latvia faces in expanding its clean electricity generation capacity to accommodate growing needs while minimizing harmful environmental impacts.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Latvia can look towards expanding solar energy, which already forms a significant part of its clean energy mix. Moreover, Latvia can learn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power generates more than 65% of electricity, offering a model for sustainable nuclear expansion. Similarly, wind energy, as seen in regions such as Iowa and Denmark, which secures over half of their electricity, could be significant for Latvia, leveraging its geographic conditions. Embracing solar and nuclear technologies, integral to the clean energy transitions in multiple regions, presents a promising path for Latvia to minimize carbon emissions and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Latvia has seen significant fluctuations, especially in hydropower. In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, hydroelectric generation experienced frequent annual changes, with noteworthy decreases in years like 1991 and 1999. This volatility continued into the 2000s, with minor positive and negative shifts. The year 2017 marked a significant increase in hydropower generation, offset by an equivalent decline in 2018. In recent years, specifically 2023, there was a notable increase, contributing to Latvia's energy supply stability. The year 2026 saw the rise of solar technology with an increase of 0.8 TWh, indicating a promising advancement in Latvia's clean energy infrastructure. By embracing consistent growth in solar and considering the addition of nuclear power, Latvia can ensure a resilient and sustainable electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.