Electricity consumption in Latvia over the last 12 months, from August 2024 to July 2025, shows a heavy reliance on low-carbon, or clean energy sources. More than two-thirds of the electricity supply is generated from low-carbon sources, with hydropower being the dominant contributor at almost half of the total electricity production. Solar power provides close to one-tenth, while biofuels and wind contribute around 8% and 5% respectively. On the other hand, fossil fuels, all coming from gas, contribute to almost a third of the electricity supply. While gas still forms a significant portion of the energy mix, its impact is mitigated by the significant contribution of clean energy sources. Net imports account for close to none at just over 1% of the electricity mix, indicating a strong domestic electricity generation capacity.
Is Electricity Growing in Latvia?
However, the current trajectory of electricity consumption in Latvia is concerning. The latest electricity consumption figures indicate a sharp decline, with each person consuming about 2,821 kilowatt-hours, which is a significant drop from the 2024 record of 4,058 kilowatt-hours. This decline reflects a decrease of 1,237 kilowatt-hours per person. Furthermore, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also seen a reduction, with the current figure standing at 1,940 kilowatt-hours per person, down by 872 kilowatt-hours from the 2017 record high. Such reductions pose significant challenges in the context of rising electricity demands and the global imperative to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Latvia should draw lessons from countries leading in clean energy. Notably, Slovakia and France have successfully embraced nuclear energy, with it contributing 64% and 69% of their electricity generation, respectively. Such investments in nuclear power could be pivotal for Latvia as well. Additionally, investment in solar power is advisable, taking a cue from countries like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar energy comprises a significant portion of electricity generation. Latvia could also expand wind energy generation by looking to Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy contributes approximately 57-62% of their electricity. Diversifying the low-carbon energy mix by expanding nuclear and solar capabilities would provide a sustainable path forward.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Latvia has seen significant fluctuations, particularly in hydropower. In the late 1980s, there were yearly fluctuations around 1 TWh, with some years witnessing major declines. The 1990s saw similar instability, though a strong recovery in hydro capacity occurred towards the late 1990s, peaking in 1998. Since the early 2000s, the volatility has continued, with 2017 seeing a notable positive leap of 1.9 TWh in hydro generation, despite facing a substantial drop in the following year. This underscores the need for Latvia to stabilize its clean energy output and enhance overall reliability. The potential expansion of nuclear and solar energy offers an opportunity for more consistent low-carbon electricity generation.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.