In 2022, Ukraine's electricity consumption leaned heavily towards low-carbon sources, with over 70% of electricity generated in this manner. Nuclear power dominated the low-carbon sector, contributing to more than half of the total electricity generation. Hydropower added to this clean energy mix with nearly 10% share, while solar and wind together provided about 6% of the country's electricity. In contrast, fossil fuels accounted for around 28% of the total electricity consumption. Coal was the primary fossil fuel source, contributing over 20%, with gas making up just over 6%. The significant reliance on low-carbon sources reflects a positive trend in reducing emissions and enhancing energy security.
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Ukraine can focus on expanding its already substantial nuclear power capacity. Learning from countries such as France, where nuclear power accounts for more than two-thirds of electricity generation, Ukraine can potentially strengthen its clean energy infrastructure. Additionally, Ukraine can look towards the successful wind energy development in countries like Lithuania and Romania, which have achieved around 15% from wind. These examples indicate that with strategic investments in wind and potentially solar energy sectors, Ukraine can diversify and bolster its low-carbon electricity generation.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Ukraine reveals a fluctuating pattern, especially in nuclear energy output. In the late 1980s, electricity generation from nuclear sources saw both significant drops and rises, notably a sharp reduction in 1986 followed by an increase in subsequent years. The 1990s marked a crucial period, with notable growth in nuclear electricity in 1990 and 1996, though there were declines in mid-decade. The early 2000s had consistent growth, and the early 2010s saw both declines and increases. Notably, 2022 witnessed a substantial decline of 24.1 TWh in nuclear generation, emphasizing the need for focused strategies on stabilizing and enhancing nuclear and other low-carbon energy sources to ensure energy security and sustainability.