As of 2025, Romania exhibits a noteworthy commitment to low-carbon electricity, with more than half of its consumption, precisely 65%, stemming from clean energy sources. Leading these contributions is hydropower, accounting for around 22%, closely followed by nuclear energy at nearly 19%. Solar and wind are also making significant inroads, each providing about 11% to Romania's electricity mix. In contrast, fossil fuels still factor into the energy landscape, contributing roughly 27%, with gas and coal each making up about 14% and 11%, respectively. Net imports round up the electricity sources with nearly 8%. This reflects a country on the path towards sustainability, yet with room for further reducing fossil dependence to curb emissions linked to air pollution and climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Romania?
Despite these efforts, Romania appears to be struggling in terms of electricity growth, with current consumption at 2752 kWh per person, significantly lower than the peak of 3487 kWh per person in 1989. This indicates a decline of 735 kWh per person. Additionally, the generation from low-carbon sources also saw a decline, with 2025 numbers reaching 1800 kWh per person from a high of 2026 kWh per person in 2023, marking a drop of 226 kWh. This stagnation is concerning in the context of growing electricity needs for newer, cleaner technologies and services, emphasizing the necessity for strategic planning to increase both overall electricity and specifically low-carbon electricity generation to support an evolving, tech-driven society.
Suggestions
Looking forward, Romania can bolster its low-carbon electricity production by expanding its existing nuclear, wind, and solar capacities, as these are already significant contributors. For nuclear energy, Romania can draw inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, which generate almost two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear sources. Meanwhile, for wind energy, Denmark and several U.S. states such as Iowa and South Dakota exemplify high generation levels, achieving about 60%. Solar potential can be harnessed akin to Nevada and California, each producing over 30% of their electricity from solar power. By learning from these regions, Romania can advance its clean energy goals and play a leading role in the global transition to low-carbon electricity systems.
History
Turning to the history of low-carbon electricity in Romania, periods of growth are interspersed with fluctuating hydroelectric and nuclear outputs over the decades. The early 1990s saw varying changes in hydropower contribution, with key positive years like 1991 and 1995 witnessing increases of over 3 TWh. The late 90s marked a highlight with 4 TWh growth in nuclear energy in 1997, followed by another boost in 2008. The 2000s similarly saw a mix of rises and declines, notably with critical losses like the 5.3 TWh decrease in 2011. More recently, the 2020s have experienced notable shifts, such as a 4.1 TWh rise in hydropower in 2023, juxtaposed with successive decreases in the following years. Strengthening sustainable sources, particularly nuclear, would provide more stability and long-term sustainability to Romania's electricity sector.
