In 2025, electricity consumption in Greece presents a significant reliance on fossil fuels with over half of the electricity (54%) generated from sources like gas, coal, and oil. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources contribute almost 46% to the electricity mix, which highlights some progress in reducing carbon emissions. Among these cleaner alternatives, wind energy accounts for about 20%, solar energy covers nearly 17%, and hydropower provides over 7% of total electricity consumption. Biofuels, though considered low-carbon, contribute marginally to the mix. The dependence on fossil fuels remains concerning given the pressing need to mitigate climate change and its associated consequences.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Greece?
Despite the crucial role of expanding low-carbon energy sources for environmental sustainability and energy security, Greece's electricity consumption appears to have stagnated or even declined. The latest electricity usage stands at 5,127 kWh per person, showing a significant drop from a peak consumption of 6,261 kWh per person in 2008, recording a decrease of 1,134 kWh per person. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity, which should be the nation's focus for future growth, decreased slightly from 2,582 to 2,357 kWh per person compared to 2024, setting back progress in green energy expansion. This is disappointing in the context of global moves towards more sustainable electricity generation.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Greece could benefit from further expanding existing solar and wind power infrastructure. Given the successful examples like Denmark and certain states in the USA, where wind energy supports over 50% of electricity, Greece should prioritize increasing its wind capacity. Similarly, Greece can learn from solar power advancements in regions like California and Nevada, which generate over 30% of their electricity from solar power. Adding nuclear energy to the mix, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia where nuclear provides over 60% of electricity, could offer Greece a reliable base-load power source that complements fluctuating wind and solar generation. By adopting such strategies, Greece can significantly reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring a robust and sustainable electricity supply.
History
Looking back, Greece's history with low-carbon electricity generation reveals significant fluctuations, especially in hydropower. The early 2000s saw varied increases and decreases in hydroelectricity output, with a significant drop in 2007 followed by recovery and then another decline in 2011. Solar energy began its expansion in 2013 and again in 2022 and 2023, but the recent drop in 2025 is concerning. Efforts in wind energy began to show growth recently in 2020, though a decline is also noted in 2025. These fluctuations highlight the need for consistent policy and investment to stabilize and grow clean electricity generation, supporting both Greece's energy independence and its environmental goals. The country needs to remain focused on strategic growth in these areas to tackle climate issues effectively.
