Sweden is a global leader in low-carbon electricity consumption, sourcing nearly all, or about 97%, of its electricity from clean energy sources. Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Sweden has primarily relied on hydropower, which accounts for approximately 41% of its electricity. Nuclear energy closely follows, providing around 28%, while wind power contributes just over a quarter. Solar energy, although currently representing a modest portion, is an emerging sector at about 1.4%. Besides meeting its electricity needs, Sweden is also a substantial net exporter, helping neighboring countries reduce their fossil fuel reliance. Despite this success, Sweden anticipates further challenges, especially in electrifying sectors such as transport, heating, and industry to minimize carbon emissions further.
Is Electricity Growing in Sweden?
Despite Sweden's strong performance in low-carbon electricity generation, overall electricity consumption is not currently on an upward trajectory. As of 2025, electricity consumption stands at approximately 15,076 kWh per person, which is a notable reduction from the peak of 18,167 kWh per person in 2001. This reflects a decline of 3,092 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per capita has decreased, with current levels at 14,574 kWh per person compared to 17,464 kWh per person in 2001, marking a drop of 2,890 kWh. This trend may pose challenges for future efforts to expand electrification across various sectors.
Suggestions
To meet the anticipated increase in demand for low-carbon electricity, Sweden can focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind power capabilities. These are already significant contributors to Sweden's clean energy mix and have the potential for further development. Investing in the growth of nuclear energy offers a stable and continuous electricity supply, while expanding wind energy capitalizes on Sweden's abundant natural resources. Such advancements are crucial not only for domestic consumption but also for maintaining Sweden's role as a clean electricity exporter, thereby aiding regional decarbonization efforts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Sweden is marked by significant changes over the decades. In the early 1980s, nuclear energy saw considerable growth, highlighted by increases in 1981 and 1986. However, the 1990s introduced some challenges; 1992 saw a noteworthy dip in nuclear generation by 13.2 TWh, offset by a substantial rise in hydropower the same year. This decade was characterized by fluctuations with both increases and decreases in hydropower and nuclear generation. The early 2000s witnessed another significant decline in nuclear production in 2000, followed by a recovery in 2001, only to see another drop in 2009. In the last few decades, hydropower notably fluctuated with substantial rises and falls, culminating in another wave of decreased nuclear output in 2020. These variations emphasize the need for a consistent and strategic approach to expanding nuclear capacity to ensure a reliable green energy supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.