In 2025, the state of electricity consumption in Russia presents an interesting mix of energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity comes from fossil energy, with gas accounting for approximately 45% and coal contributing around 18%. Meanwhile, Russia's commitment to low-carbon energy is evident, as it highlights a notable contribution of these sources at about 36% of total electricity generation. Among the low-carbon contributors, nuclear energy plays a significant role, making up nearly 19%, while hydropower offers almost 17% of the total electricity supply. This balance between fossil and low-carbon energy sources illustrates Russia's progress toward a more sustainable and cleaner electricity mix, even though fossil fuels still dominate the landscape.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Russia?
When it comes to the growth of electricity in Russia, recent data indicates a slight decline. In 2025, electricity consumption per person stood at 7,944 kWh, reflecting a decrease from the peak of 8,042 kWh in 2024. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person is not at its peak, with a current figure of 2,898 kWh per person, down from a previous high of 3,035 kWh in 2021. These downward trends raise concerns about whether sufficient measures are in place to adapt to growing electricity demand and to ensure cleaner energy alternatives, which are crucial for reducing the impact of climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Russia could focus on expanding its well-established nuclear energy infrastructure. With nuclear already providing a substantial share of the electricity mix, further investment in nuclear power plants could reinforce its clean energy capabilities. Russia can also learn from successful regions such as France, where nuclear power provides a remarkable 67% of the electricity, or Slovakia, where it contributes 66%. Solar energy also holds promise for Russia, as demonstrated by North Macedonia, which generates nearly half of its electricity from solar, showing significant potential for growth. Drawing lessons from these regions can guide Russia in tapping into these sustainable energy sources and ensuring a greener, more resilient electricity future.
History
Looking back historically, Russia's low-carbon electricity journey has experienced various fluctuations. In the late 1980s, nuclear energy saw significant growth, with an increase of nearly 20 TWh in 1987 and another notable rise in 1988. However, the 1990s brought some declines, especially in 1990 and 1994, suggesting challenges during that era. Hydropower experienced both growth and setbacks, with marked gains in certain years like 2004 and 2013, contrasted by declines in others, such as in 2022. Despite the ups and downs, the expansion of low-carbon sources in recent years reflects Russia's evolving energy landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on sustainable practices to continue advancing its clean energy objectives in the future.
