In 2024, Russia's electricity generation is dominated by fossil fuels, which account for nearly two-thirds of the total consumption, with gas and coal being the primary contributors. Gas alone constitutes almost half of the country's electricity generation. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources comprise a little over a third of the total, showcasing a commendable yet improvable contribution to clean energy. Within this category, nuclear energy and hydropower each contribute almost a fifth to the electricity mix. While the presence of low-carbon electricity is significant, there is still ample opportunity for growth, especially in the face of climate change and air pollution challenges imposed by fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Russia?
Recent data indicates a slight increase in overall electricity consumption in Russia, reaching 8042 kWh per person in 2024, up from the previous high of 7934 kWh per person in 2021. This increment marks progress, albeit small, in electricity demand. However, the situation with low-carbon electricity is less optimistic, with the latest figures showing a decline compared to past records. The current generation stands at 2953 kWh per person, which is a noticeable drop of 82 kWh from 2021. This stagnation in clean energy growth is concerning and highlights the need for robust strategies to bolster low-carbon electricity production and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
Given the existing contributions of nuclear and hydropower, Russia should focus on expanding its nuclear capacity. Learning from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes between 66% and 70% of electricity, can provide valuable insights. Additionally, embracing solar energy, as demonstrated by Nevada, which generates 33% of its electricity from solar, could further enhance Russia's clean energy portfolio. These expansions will not only support Russia's environmental goals but also secure energy independence and stability in the long term, stimulating economic growth and technological innovation by meeting the rising electricity demand.
History
Historically, Russia's low-carbon electricity generation has had its ups and downs. The late 1980s experienced notable growth in nuclear energy, with increases of around 10 to 19.5 TWh annually until the early 1990s. However, the early 1990s witnessed a sharp decline, with reductions of up to 21.4 TWh by 1994. The situation improved toward the late 1990s and early 2000s as nuclear capacity gained traction again. Hydropower has also seen fluctuations, notably in 1996 with a decrease of 22.1 TWh, followed by positive growth numbers until recent years. Even as hydropower contributions have been inconsistent, especially with recent declines, they illustrate the potential and necessity of focus on sustaining and expanding low-carbon electricity sources to secure a cleaner energy future for Russia.
