Slovakia is demonstrating commendable progress in its pursuit of clean electricity solutions. Over the past year, from December 2024 through November 2025, the country has achieved a remarkable feat with more than 86% of its electricity being sourced from low-carbon methods. Nuclear power plays the most significant role, contributing about two-thirds of the total electricity, underscoring the country's reliance on in-house, reliable, and sustainable energy. Hydropower, while not as dominant as nuclear, provides more than one-tenth of the electricity mix, with biofuels and solar contributing smaller yet vital shares. On the other hand, electricity from fossil fuels, which includes gas, coal, and oil, makes up a relatively minor portion at roughly 13%, reflecting Slovakia's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Moreover, Slovakia stands out as a substantial net exporter of electricity, which not only aids in maintaining sustainable practices within its borders but also supports neighboring regions in lowering their overall emissions.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Slovakia?
The trajectory of electricity consumption in Slovakia reveals a complex story. Currently, the average per capita electricity use is around 4,930 kWh, a noticeable decrease from the peak of 6,030 kWh recorded back in 2002. This decline of over 1,100 kWh per person may raise questions about the nation's energy growth and its ability to meet future demands. Similarly, even though low-carbon electricity generation per person was 4,246 kWh in the latest figures, this is still about 140 kWh below its highest record in 2002. This downward trend is concerning, considering the necessity for expanded clean electricity to support further electrification of other critical sectors such as transport, heating, and industry.
Suggestions
To meet the rising demands for low-carbon electricity, Slovakia should look towards enhancing its existing nuclear capabilities. As the backbone of its clean energy mix, nuclear power offers a reliable and potent source to significantly bolster generation without emitting greenhouse gases. Alongside nuclear, expanding solar power capacity is another viable strategy to increase clean electricity production while tapping into the environmentally healing potential. Prioritizing these low-carbon technologies presents a path to support electrification and economic growth sustainably. Together, both can transform Slovakia's energy landscape to meet the ambitious future energy requirements while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and reducing air pollution.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Slovakia, the nation has experienced several significant shifts. In the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, there were meaningful advances in nuclear energy, notably in 1986 with a substantial increase of 2.3 TWh and another rise in the period from 1999 to 2002, culminating with an increase of 0.8 TWh in 2002. The early 2000s saw an oscillation in generation performance, with a notable decline of 1.8 TWh in hydroelectric power in 2003 and subsequent fluctuations in nuclear production, including a downturn of 2.7 TWh in 2007. Fast forwarding to recent times, 2023 marked an optimistic year with increases in both nuclear and hydroelectric output, contributing 2.3 TWh and 1.3 TWh respectively. This proactive enhancement continued into 2025, with nuclear again contributing positively. These expansions and fluctuations throughout the decades highlight the potential and resilience of Slovakia's low-carbon infrastructure to support a clean energy future.
