Where our electricity comes from | Newsec Charts

The Nordics and Baltics are at the forefront when it comes to electricity generation from renewable sources. In 2021, more than two thirds (68%) of all GWh generated in the region came from hydro, wind and solar. Carbon-emitting burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – amounted to three per cent.

Compare that to the entire continent of Europe, where (in 2020) the share between fossils (38%) and renewables (35%) was roughly even. Looking at global electricity generation (also 2020), we find that 61% of the world’s roughly 27 million GWh had fossil origins. Renewables, meanwhile, delivered 26%, or close to seven million GWh.

But the scene is changing. Thirty years ago, renewables meant hydropower. Wind and solar existed, but with negligible impact on electricity production. Even in Denmark, a global wind power pioneer, only about three per cent of electric power came from wind turbines in 1993.

Looking at the coming three decades, given that coal is being phased out and nuclear technology is facing significant reinvestment needs, Newsec’s prediction for the Nordics and Baltics is that renewable sources will continue growing in share and importance. While the growth capacity for hydro is limited due to various restrictions, wind and solar are estimated to almost triple in volume.

Sources: IEA (Electricity production by source from https://www.iea.org/regions/europe), Newsec’s estimations

In our Newsec charts series we publish charts which we find eye-opening, and provide context and commentary.