In 2022, Ukraine's electricity consumption was characterized by a commendably high percentage of low-carbon energy, which accounted for over 70% of the total electricity production. Delving deeper, nuclear power was the dominant source of clean energy, contributing to more than half of the total electricity generation. On the other hand, hydropower, solar, and wind made collective, yet smaller, contributions to the clean electricity share. Fossil fuels, though less significant, still accounted for about 28% of electricity production, with coal being the primary fossil source and a minimal contribution coming from gas. Reducing this fossil fuel share is crucial for increasing environmental sustainability and supporting climate goals.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ukraine?
Unfortunately, the current electricity consumption in Ukraine doesn't reflect growth; instead, it shows a decline. The national per capita electricity consumption in 2022 stood at 2767 kWh, exhibiting a notable drop from the record 5746 kWh per capita in 1988—a decrease of nearly 3000 kWh. This decline also affected low-carbon electricity generation, as evidenced by the reduction from its 2021 peak of 2434 kWh per capita to 1966 kWh per capita in 2022. This trend challenges Ukraine's energy progress, especially when expanding clean energy is vital not just for current needs but also for future demands from increasing electrification and technological progress.
Suggestions
To bolster Ukraine's low-carbon electricity generation, strategic efforts should focus primarily on expanding nuclear power, which already plays a substantial role in the electricity mix. Lessons can be drawn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes 70% and 66%, respectively, to their electricity generation. In addition, looking at regions like Iowa and Denmark, where wind energy accounts for over 50% of their electricity share, Ukraine can explore further investments in wind energy. Similarly, embracing solar power, inspired by regions like Nevada and Chile where solar provides a substantial electricity share, can provide diverse and resilient energy sources to reinforce Ukraine's energy landscape.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Ukraine reveals a mixed pattern, particularly in nuclear energy generation. In the late 1980s and 1990s, nuclear power experienced fluctuations with periods of growth and setbacks, the most notable being the sharp decline of 10.6 TWh in 1986, partially rebounding by 1988. Positive growth resumed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although challenges persisted with reductions such as those seen in 2009 and 2013, each experiencing declines of more than 6 TWh. In more recent years, growth was observed in 2017 and 2021, but 2022 saw a significant drop by 24.1 TWh, which is deeply concerning for low-carbon advancement. To achieve consistent and significant growth in clean electricity generation, these declines must be addressed and supplanted by strategic expansions and investments in nuclear capabilities.
