Slovakia is leading the charge in low-carbon electricity production, proudly generating more than 85% of its electricity from clean sources. The lion's share of this comes from nuclear energy which contributes over 60%, and hydropower, supplying over 16%. This laudable achievement positions Slovakia not only as a major advocate for environmental sustainability but also as a critical ally in lowering emissions for neighboring regions due to its status as a net exporter of electricity. The next considerable hurdle for Slovakia will be the electrification of other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which will necessitate a significant increase in electricity production.
Is Electricity Growing in Slovakia?
Despite Slovakia's impressive track record in low-carbon electricity generation, overall electricity consumption per capita has notably decreased. In 2024, the total electricity consumption stood at 5319 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 711 kWh from the historic peak in 2002. Conversely, low-carbon electricity generation has been on an upward trajectory, reaching a record 4576 kWh per person in 2024, slightly surpassing the previous high set in 2023. This growth in clean energy indicates a positive trend, but the decline in total electricity consumption may hinder future aspirations for societal electrification and, ultimately, the broader goal of achieving energy security and ecological sustainability.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity production, Slovakia should consider expanding its existing nuclear facilities. These facilities already contribute significantly to the country's clean energy mix, and their expansion could further enhance Slovakia's capacity to support both domestic and regional electricity needs sustainably. Additionally, investing more in solar power infrastructure would complement Slovakia's already diverse low-carbon energy portfolio, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and air pollution, and rising to meet the anticipated demands of an electrified future powered by AI and the digital revolution.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Slovakia, nuclear energy has played a substantial role since the late 20th century. In the late 1980s, Slovakia made significant strides, increasing nuclear energy capacity, notably with an addition of 2.3 TWh in 1986. Throughout the 1990s, both nuclear and hydro investments saw fluctuations, with significant increases in the early to mid-90s followed by declines and recovery. Unfortunately, there were notable setbacks for nuclear, such as the 2.7 TWh reduction in 2007 and another decline in 2009. However, Slovakia has demonstrated resilience, with recent years showing robust growth again—especially with a 2.4 TWh boost in nuclear generation in 2023. These developments underscore the dynamic and essential role of clean energy in meeting the country's needs while highlighting the importance of continued investment in reliable and sustainable electricity sources.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.