From September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Bulgaria has primarily relied on low-carbon sources with more than two-thirds, or 67.27%, of its electricity coming from clean energy sources. Within this category, nuclear energy plays a major role, contributing about 40.38% to the country's electricity supply. Solar and wind energy make up a smaller portion, providing 16.52% and 3.44% respectively. Hydropower adds another layer of sustainability with 6.47% of electricity generation being hydropower-based. On the other hand, fossil fuels account for about 32.73% of the energy mix, with coal being dominant at 27.6% and natural gas providing a minimal 5.13%. The high share of coal in particular is concerning, given the impact of fossil fuels on climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Bulgaria?
Reflecting on whether electricity consumption is growing in Bulgaria, recent patterns show a downturn. The total electricity consumption in 2025 was 5500 kWh per person, a significant decrease from the record high of 7366 kWh per person in 2022. This represents a drop of 1866 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also fallen short of past achievements. The recent low-carbon production is 3700 kWh per person, which is a decline of 314 kWh per person from the previous record of 4014 kWh per person in 2024. This stagnation and decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation are troubling, especially as we move towards an electrified economy.
Suggestions
To steer Bulgaria toward a higher share of low-carbon electricity, expanding existing nuclear and solar initiatives would be a prudent strategy. Taking inspiration from regions successfully leveraging these technologies could be valuable. France, where nuclear energy contributes a commendable 69% of electricity, provides a stellar example. For solar energy, Lebanon, which generates 31% of its electricity from solar, demonstrates the potential that solar technology holds. Bulgaria can further draw lessons from such examples to strengthen and prioritize its investments in nuclear and solar energy, paving the way for enhanced low-carbon electricity generation.
History
Historical trends show that Bulgaria has experienced turbulent times in its nuclear energy use over the years, with both significant increases and unfortunate declines. Notable expansions happened in the early 1980s, primarily with boosts of approximately 2.8 and 2 TWh in 1981 and 1983, and again in the late 1980s with a 3.6 TWh increase in 1988. However, the early 2000s saw significant drops, particularly in 2003 and 2007, recording losses of 2.9 and 4.9 TWh, respectively. More recently, the solar sector showed promise with a boost in 2024, while biofuels faced a setback in 2025. Reflecting on history, the need to bolster low-carbon technologies like nuclear and solar becomes evident to secure a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.