Electricity in Moldova in 2022
In 2022, Moldova had an average total electricity consumption of 358 watts per person, which is slightly lower than the global average of 412 watts per person. Most of the electricity used in the country is generated using fossil fuels, with over half (186 watts/person) hailing from this sector. Of this, coal energy stands out as the chief contributor, accounting for almost 140 watts/person, with the remainder, close to 50 watts/person, coming from gas. Low-carbon energy, however, makes up just a small fraction of the country's electricity generation, tallying up to just above 14 watts/person. Hydropower leads in this sector, creating about 10 watts/person, while wind energy, biofuels and solar power each generate less than 3 watts/person. The evident underutilization of low-carbon energy sources, coupled with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, might be responsible for Moldova's lower-than-average electricity generation, potentially impacting the nation's industrial growth and economic development.
Suggestions
In an effort to increase low-carbon electricity generation, Moldova may take inspiration from countries with successful low-carbon energy practices. For instance, countries like Sweden, France, and Finland have managed to generate a significant proportion of their electricity through nuclear energy, boasting numbers between 517 and 559 watts/person. Interestingly, Denmark and Sweden have accomplished similar success with wind energy, creating well over 360 watts/person. On the other hand, Australia shines in solar energy generation, with a substantial 147 watts/person. Given Moldova's climatic and geographical conditions, it could consider a combination of nuclear, wind, and solar energy methods to bolster its low-carbon electricity production. Additionally, embracing technological advancements from leading countries could serve as a significant accelerant to this pursuit.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Moldova, it's clear that hydropower has been the prime player since 1991. The country's hydroelectric generation fluctuated slightly during the 1990s, with nominal gains and declines. However, this trend stabilized through the 2000s, with most years showing no noted variations. It wasn't until 2010 that another slight increase was recorded, only to fall back in the following years. Since 2016, hydropower production seems to have plateaued, with no significant changes registered. Intriguingly, Moldova recorded some wind electricity generation for the first time in 2021, albeit the numbers remain close to none. Overall, Moldova's history in low-carbon electricity production shows a focus on hydropower and a recent entry into wind energy, which serve as valuable starting points for the nation as it seeks to increase its clean energy generation.