Slovakia has made a remarkable achievement in its electricity generation by sourcing over 85% of its power from low-carbon and clean energy sources. With nuclear energy contributing the largest share at approximately two-thirds of the total electricity, Slovakia stands as a shining example of modern energy solutions. Hydropower adds roughly almost one-eighth to this clean mix, showcasing Slovakia's hydroelectric capacity. Fossil fuels remain a minor part of Slovakia's electricity generation, contributing slightly more than one-tenth. Thus, Slovakia not only leads by example domestically with its sustainable practices but also assists neighboring regions in lowering emissions by being a significant net exporter of electricity. Moving forward, Slovakia faces the challenge of expanding its clean electricity capacity to enable the electrification of sectors like transport, heating, and industry—essential tasks for further reducing carbon emissions.
Data sources used on this page include Energy Institute, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Slovakia?
Despite Slovakia's clean energy successes, overall electricity consumption per person has decreased since its peak in 2002. From a high of 6030 kWh per person, consumption has fallen to around 5250 kWh per person in 2025, highlighting a slightly downward trend in electricity use. This is a concerning indicator, given the need for increased electricity supply to power new technologies and sectors. However, it is promising to see an upswing in low-carbon electricity generation per person, which has increased to 4500 kWh from the previous record of roughly 4400 kWh in 2002. This encouraging growth reflects Slovakia's commitment to low-carbon solutions in confronting future energy demands.
Suggestions
To improve clean electricity generation, Slovakia should consider strategically expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure. Given the predominant role of nuclear energy in Slovakia's current green energy mix, its expansion seems a logical step. Additionally, integrating more solar into the energy portfolio can complement nuclear energy's consistent output with flexibility. With advancements in solar technology and decreasing costs, solar power presents an excellent opportunity for further increasing Slovakia's sustainable energy capabilities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Such initiatives will align well with global goals of mitigating climate change impacts and improving air quality by diminishing fossil fuel emissions.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Slovakia, the late 20th century and early 21st century saw significant shifts. In the late 1980s and through the 1990s, increases in nuclear power, such as in 1986 and 1994, bolstered clean energy. However, there were significant setbacks, notably in the late 2000s with marked decreases in nuclear output in 2007 and 2009. Positively, the revival began in the 2010s, with hydro and nuclear showing fluctuations but recovering somewhat in recent years. By 2023 and continuing into 2025, Slovakia experienced a resurgence with substantial gains in both nuclear and hydropower, marking a renewed commitment to low-carbon electricity. This historical perspective underscores the resilience of Slovakia's clean energy efforts and highlights the importance of persistence and innovation in maintaining a clean energy trajectory.
