In 2025, Russia's electricity consumption shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels. More than half of the electricity comes from fossil energy, with gas making the largest contribution at nearly 45%, and coal accounting for about 18% of the total. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources contribute more than a third of Russia's electricity. Nuclear energy is responsible for almost 19%, and hydropower follows closely, providing almost 17% of the total electricity. This mix highlights an ongoing dependence on fossil fuels, despite a notable share of low-carbon energy in the electricity sector.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Russia?
However, electricity consumption in Russia has seen a slight decline recently. In 2025, the consumption per person stands at 7944 kWh, which is a decrease from the previous high of 8042 kWh per person in 2024. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased to 2898 kWh from a record of 3035 kWh in 2021. This downturn is concerning, as it suggests a retreat from expanding sustainable and clean electricity solutions, which are crucial for tackling climate change and air pollution and for sustaining economic growth in an increasingly electrified world.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Russia should consider expanding its nuclear capacity given its already substantial contribution. Several regions provide valuable insights: France and Slovakia have achieved significant shares of their electricity from nuclear energy, standing at 67% and 66%, respectively. Additionally, Russia could draw inspiration from countries with strong solar and wind capacities. The success of countries like Denmark in generating 60% of their electricity from wind can serve as a model for embracing wind energy. Furthermore, states like New Mexico and California show the potential for solar energy by generating over 30% of their electricity from this clean source. By leveraging these examples, Russia can diversify its low-carbon electricity portfolio and enhance sustainability and energy security.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity in Russia has experienced fluctuations. During the late 1980s, strong growth in nuclear capacity was evident, with substantial increases in electricity generation. However, the 1990s saw significant declines in nuclear electricity, notably in 1990 and 1994. Moving into the 2000s and 2010s, periods of modest growth in both nuclear and hydroelectric capacity were interspersed with downtimes, such as decreases in hydropower in 2002 and 2008. Most recently, in the 2020s, hydroelectric energy has faced both growth, such as the 2024 increase, and contractions, such as the drop in 2025. It is imperative for Russia to maintain and expand its low-carbon capacities, avoiding declines and focusing on growth to meet future demands.
