In 2024, Romania's electricity consumption reveals a strong inclination towards low-carbon energy. More than half of the country's electricity, around 64%, comes from clean sources like hydropower, nuclear, wind, and solar. Specifically, hydropower contributes around a quarter, followed by nuclear at just under a fifth. Wind energy is responsible for around 11.5%, and solar adds about 7.5%. The rest of the electricity, around 30%, is generated from fossil fuels, with gas making up about 16% and coal contributing roughly 12%. Oil plays a minor role at close to 2%, and net imports account for about 5.5%. The significant share of low-carbon energy in Romania's electricity mix is commendable, but there is room for improvement by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Romania?
Despite the global trend towards increased electricity demand, Romania's electricity consumption has decreased over the years. In 2024, the per person consumption stands at approximately 2925 kWh, representing a drop of 730 kWh per person compared to the peak usage recorded in 1989. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a decline, with 2024 figures showing 1881 kWh per person, a decrease from 2069 kWh per person in the previous year. This stagnation is concerning, emphasizing an urgent need for renewed focus on advancing electricity generation, especially from low-carbon sources, to support Romania's sustainability goals and the inevitable rise in electricity needs due to electrification and the expansion of digital infrastructure.
Suggestions
Romania has the opportunity to bolster low-carbon electricity by expanding nuclear and wind capacities, which are already significant contributors. Learning from France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for more than 60% of their electricity mix, Romania could develop its nuclear sector further. Similarly, Denmark's successful harnessing of wind energy at 52% exemplifies the potential for growth in the wind power sector. By adopting strategies that have propelled electricity generation in these countries, alongside investing in innovative technologies and infrastructure, Romania can significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity share and ensure a sustainable energy future.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity in Romania has seen various phases, marked by substantial contributions from hydropower and nuclear energy. In the late 1980s, significant gains in hydropower bolstered the country's clean energy efforts. The 1990s continued this trend with both expansions and contractions in hydroelectric output. The late 1990s and early 2000s were pivotal for nuclear energy, with noticeable increases, specifically in 1997 and 2008, when nuclear power received major boosts. Despite these milestones, the inconsistency, especially in hydroelectric output, underscores the critical need for stable, large-scale investments in nuclear and other reliable low-carbon technologies to ensure consistent growth in Romania's green electricity landscape.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.