Latvia's current electricity consumption reflects a strong emphasis on low-carbon energy sources, with more than 60% of its electricity derived from clean energy. Hydropower is a significant contributor to this category, making up almost 43%. Biofuels, solar, and wind energy account for smaller portions, with solar at around 7% and wind even less so. Unfortunately, fossil energy, primarily gas, still represents more than a fifth of the electricity mix, posing climate and health risks due to emissions. Net imports, comprising nearly 15% of the electricity mix, fill the gap between domestic production and total consumption.
Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?
Electricity consumption in Latvia shows slight growth, with the latest figures reaching 4058 kWh per person compared to the 2021 record of 4041 kWh per person. While this increase suggests growing demand and consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has declined, with current output per person at 2570 kWh, a notable drop of 242 kWh from the 2017 peak. This stagnation in clean electricity is concerning, especially given the critical importance of expansion to curb fossil fuel use and support future demands driven by technological advancements and electrification.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Latvia can draw inspiration from regions with successful clean energy strategies. For instance, enhancing solar capacity, as seen in countries like Chile and Spain, could significantly boost Latvia’s sunlight-based electricity generation. Moreover, taking cues from nuclear-heavy nations like France and Slovakia could position nuclear energy as a cornerstone of Latvia's electricity mix, ensuring stability and environmental benefits. Wind energy, exemplified by successful adoption in countries such as Denmark, offers another growth area. Diversifying these energy sources would significantly strengthen Latvia's clean energy landscape.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Latvia shows notable variations, particularly in hydropower. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Latvia experienced fluctuating hydroelectric output, with significant changes, including increases in 1987 and 1990, counteracted by decreases in 1988, 1991, and 1992. The late 1990s and early 2000s again saw hydroelectric growth in 1997 and 1998, although this was followed by declines in 1999 and 2006. More recently, fluctuations persisted, with growth in 2012 and 2017 offset by reductions in subsequent years. These variations underscore the need for a more diversified and stable clean energy approach to secure Latvia's future electricity needs.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.