In 2025, Romania's electricity consumption reflects a positive inclination towards clean energy sources, with low-carbon energy contributing slightly over 60% of the total electricity generation. Hydropower and nuclear energy dominate this segment, constituting nearly one-quarter (24%) and about one-fifth (20%) of the electricity output, respectively. Wind and solar energies add another 16% combined, signaling a diversified portfolio of low-carbon energy contributions. On the contrary, fossil fuels still account for over 30% of the electricity generated, with natural gas and coal making up almost 19% and 13%, respectively. Net imports fulfill the remaining 8% of the nation's electricity needs. Despite this achievement, Romania’s energy landscape remains tethered to fossil fuels to a significant degree, which continues to have adverse impacts on the environment through emissions and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Romania?
Romania's electricity consumption per person in 2025 stands at 2723 kWh, which represents a decline from the 1989 high of 3487 kWh. This reduction of 765 kWh per person suggests a stagnation in growth and signals a potential gap between the current supply and future demand, particularly considering the rising tide of electrification and industry growth. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person has decreased significantly from its 2023 peak of 1976 kWh to 1656 kWh, marking a decrease of 319 kWh. Such regression indicates a troubling trend in Romania's pursuit of a sustainable, low-carbon future, necessitating bolstered efforts to enhance low-carbon electricity generation.
Suggestions
To rejuvenate the low-carbon electricity generation in Romania, expansion of existing nuclear and wind capabilities should be a priority, considering their already substantial contribution. By drawing inspiration from successful regions, Romania can learn valuable strategies. For instance, France and Slovakia's significant nuclear-reliant electricity mix, contributing 70% and 66% respectively, underscores the potential of ramping up nuclear energy. Similarly, the wind energy leadership showcased by Iowa and Denmark, where wind accounts for around 60% of electricity, exemplifies the achievable heights. In expanding solar capabilities, Romania could look to Nevada and Lebanon, where solar provides over 30% of electricity, as models of success. Integrating these approaches would align Romania with broader global trends towards sustainable electrification.
History
Historically, Romania's advancements in low-carbon electricity can be mapped through critical periods of utilization and setbacks. In the mid-1990s, a considerable uptick in hydroelectricity was noted, while 1997 marked a significant push in nuclear energy. Post-2000, fluctuations characterized the hydroelectric sector, with notable downturns in 2000, 2003, and a severe setback in 2011. However, these were interspersed with years of recovery like 2010 and 2023, when hydro contributions saw positive shifts. Moreover, 2008 represented a year distinguished by substantial growth in nuclear generation. Yet, the instability seen in hydroelectric contributions, alongside the recent decline in nuclear output in 2023, mirrors a challenging framework that Romania must overcome to stabilize and augment its clean electricity generation. Enhanced nuclear and solar deployment can thus serve as a fundamental strategy in achieving consistent low-carbon electricity growth.
