As of August 2025, Latvia's electricity consumption primarily relies on low-carbon sources, making up about 70% of the total usage from September 2024 through August 2025. A significant portion of this clean electricity—more than half—comes from hydropower, which alone accounts for nearly 48% of Latvia's electricity generation. Solar energy contributes to about 10% of the total, while biofuels and wind represent around 8% and 4%, respectively. On the other hand, fossil fuels still play a considerable role, contributing almost 28%, all of which comes from gas. This reliance on fossil fuels, though less than the low-carbon sources, underscores the necessity for Latvia to continue transitioning towards cleaner options. Net imports account for a minimal portion, at approximately 2%, illustrating Latvia's attempt to utilize its domestic energy resources effectively for electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?
However, Latvia's electricity consumption has seen a notable decline. In 2025, the average per person consumption dropped to 2,908 kWh, a decrease of 1,150 kWh from the previous year's record of 4,058 kWh. This declining trend is equally apparent in low-carbon electricity generation, which also faced a reduction. The latest per person figure stands at 2,028 kWh, down by 784 kWh from the historic peak in 2017. This drop in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning and emphasizes the urgency for Latvia to reverse this trend to meet potential future demands and to combat the pressing issues of climate change and energy security.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity, Latvia could expand its solar capacity as it already substantially contributes to electricity generation. Latvia can draw inspiration from regions like Greece, which relies heavily on solar energy at 26%, or Nevada at 29%. Additionally, adding nuclear energy could significantly diversify the portfolio, as seen in countries such as Slovakia and France, where nuclear power constitutes more than 60% of electricity generation. Regions like Denmark and Iowa, which harness wind energy at more than half of their electricity consumption, could serve as exemplary models for enhancing winter-time low-carbon generation through wind power. By learning from these successful examples, Latvia can strengthen its efforts in expanding and optimizing its sustainable and clean electricity portfolio.
History
The history of Latvia's low-carbon electricity generation reveals a roller-coaster pattern, largely influenced by alterations in hydropower output. The late 1980s to 1990s witnessed significant fluctuations, with gains and losses closely following each year. A noticeable increase occurred in 1997 and again in 2017, reflecting the periods of enhanced hydropower expansion. However, several years also experienced declines, underscoring the volatility often associated with relying heavily on any single energy source. As of recent years, the gain in 2023 followed by another drop in 2025 showcases the ongoing challenges and potential for further development in Latvia's clean electricity landscape. It's evident that while there has been progress, consistent investment and diversification in low-carbon sources remain critical to achieve a more stable and resilient electricity system.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.