Electricity in Luxembourg in 2024

In 2024, Luxembourg's electricity consumption is largely dependent on net imports, making up more than 70% of its total electricity. Low-carbon energy sources contribute around a quarter of the electricity mix, with wind energy accounting for close to 10%, biofuels just over 7%, solar energy about 6%, and hydropower a little over 2%. Fossil fuels contribute a minimal portion of the electricity used in Luxembourg, with gas making up just over 1%. This heavy reliance on imported electricity, which can vary in its carbon footprint depending on origin, emphasizes the importance for Luxembourg to increase its domestic low-carbon electricity generation to enhance energy security and sustainability.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Luxembourg could look to the examples of other countries with successful green energy strategies. Nuclear power stands out as a robust option, with countries similar in size or geographic region, such as Belgium and Switzerland, deriving a substantial part of their electricity from nuclear—36% and 43%, respectively. Moreover, Denmark’s impressive wind energy generation, at nearly 60%, sets a benchmark for Luxembourg in terms of harnessing wind power. Additionally, taking inspiration from countries like Ireland and Lithuania, which derive around a third of their electricity from wind, Luxembourg could work to significantly expand installations for both wind and solar energy to reduce its reliance on imports and provide clean electricity.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Luxembourg shows a steady development. In the 1990s, hydropower experienced fluctuations, with significant increases in certain years, such as a 0.8 TWh increase in 1990, while seeing decreases in years like 1999 and 2000 where declines amounted to a total of 0.9 TWh. Entering the new millennium, hydropower peaks in 2010 with a substantial increase but thereafter seems to fluctuate annually. Wind energy and solar power are relatively recent developments, first noted in 2017 and 2022 respectively, showing gradual increases. Moreover, biofuels added a small but notable increase in 2020, suggesting ongoing diversification of low-carbon energy sources in Luxembourg. This trajectory indicates a positive, though incremental, shift toward low-carbon electricity, reinforcing the need for accelerated investment particularly in wind and solar energies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources