Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Romania has shown a strong preference for low-carbon electricity, with more than 60% of its generation coming from clean sources. Hydropower is the leading low-carbon contributor, accounting for almost a quarter of the electricity produced. Nuclear energy follows closely, providing just over a fifth. Wind and solar energy collectively contribute almost one-fifth, with a notable share from wind at 12% and solar at 5%. Despite these clean energy advancements, fossil fuels still play a significant role, making up nearly a third of the electricity mix, with gas and coal as major contributors. Net imports remain a minor part of Romania's electricity consumption landscape, at just under 4%.
Is Electricity Growing in Romania?
In terms of growth, Romania's current electricity consumption per person shows a noticeable decline compared to historical figures. In 2025, each Romanian consumed about 2,568 kWh, significantly less than the peak level recorded in 1989. This marks a drop of over 1,000 kWh per person, which signals a need for concern and urgency in enhancing consumption levels. Similarly, the recent output in low-carbon electricity of 1,626 kWh per person is down by over 400 kWh from the 2023 record level. These declines highlight an urgent need to boost consumption and generation to not only meet past benchmarks but to support rising future demands as electrification and technology like AI continue to expand and evolve.
Suggestions
Romania has a robust foundation for increasing its low-carbon electricity generation. Expanding nuclear capacity, given its significant existing share, would enhance Romania's energy security and aid in meeting more sustainable goals. Similarly, further development of the wind sector could emulate successful US states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind constitutes a majority of their electricity mix. Learning from France, where nuclear energy accounts for 69% of electricity generation, could be invaluable for Romania. Additionally, integrating more solar energy, while not currently among the highest contributors, could follow examples set by regions like Lebanon, where solar contributes over 30%. These measures would not only increase Romania's clean electricity production but also significantly decrease dependence on fossil fuels, reducing climate change impacts and air pollution.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Romania highlights periods of both growth and challenges, particularly in hydropower and nuclear energy. In the early decades, hydropower saw significant fluctuations, with notable increases in the late 1980s and mid-1990s, offset by declines in the early 1990s and 2000s. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, experienced considerable growth at the end of the 1990s and into the 2000s. The last few years have been mixed, with hydropower showing considerable variability. While these trends showcase Romania's efforts in expanding clean energy, the inconsistencies also emphasize the need for a more stable growth trajectory, especially as demand for green electricity continues to grow. Investing and promoting continuity in nuclear and solar expansion can ensure a resilient and consistent path toward sustainable energy for Romania.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.