As of 2025, Romania's electricity consumption primarily relies on low-carbon or clean energy sources, which account for nearly two-thirds of the total electricity generation. More than a fifth of Romania's electricity is produced via hydropower, showcasing a significant commitment to sustainable energy. Nuclear power is another major contributor, supplying roughly a fifth of the country's electricity needs. Wind and solar energies also play noteworthy roles; together, they contribute to approximately a fifth of the total electricity supply with wind generating just over 11% and solar close to 9%. On the fossil energy side, gas accounts for about 16% and coal just over 12%. The reliance on fossil fuels, although significant, is less than a third of the total energy mix, indicating a positive shift towards cleaner energy options for a more sustainable future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Romania?
Despite this progress, Romania's overall electricity consumption is not growing and, in fact, has decreased. The current per capita electricity consumption stands at 2705 kWh, which is a notable decline from the historic peak of 3487 kWh per person in 1989, representing a drop of over 20%. Even the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a decrease, from a past peak in 2023 of 2026 kWh/capita to 1728 kWh/capita, showing a significant decline. This reduction in both total and clean electricity consumption is concerning, especially considering the growing global demand for electricity driven by technological advancement and the increasing importance of low-carbon solutions for combating climate change.
Suggestions
To enhance Romania’s low-carbon electricity generation, strategic expansion in both nuclear and wind power is advisable. Nuclear energy stands as a reliable option for consistent power generation and regions like France and Slovakia, which utilize nuclear power to generate over 60% of their electricity, can serve as valuable examples for Romania. Wind energy also holds promise, with nations like Denmark and states such as Iowa achieving wind power generation between 58% and 60%. Both energy types can be further developed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase the proportion of cleaner, more sustainable energy. Additionally, solar power offers significant potential; given the success observed in regions like North Macedonia and Nevada, where solar contributes around a third or more of electricity, Romania could benefit from bolstering its investment in solar infrastructure as part of its broader low-carbon strategy.
History
Turning to the history of low-carbon electricity in Romania, the data shows several fluctuations over the decades. In the early 1990s, hydropower saw variable growth with an increase in 1991 and a decrease thereafter, followed by a significant rise by 1995. The late 1990s onwards saw notable developments in nuclear energy with a robust increase in 1997 and another surge in 2008, reflecting the country's growing interest in expanding its nuclear capability. However, the years that followed experienced inconsistent shifts, particularly in hydropower, with periods of both decline and significant growth. While there have been gains, the recent decline in hydroelectricity emphasizes the need for more resilient and sustainable energy policies, focusing especially on the expansion of nuclear and solar energy to secure a stable and green energy future.
