Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Renewable energy in Sweden - statistics & facts
Renewable energy capacity in Sweden has been growing steadily during the past decade. From 2010 to 2023, the total renewable capacity installed in the country increased from 22.7 to 40.6 gigawatts. Overall, renewables accounted for 68 percent of the total energy consumed in 2023. This makes Sweden one of the European countries with the highest share of renewables in their final energy consumption. The Scandinavian country already reached the targets set by the European Union for 2030, which aim for a 42.5 percent share of renewables in total energy consumption. Regarding the power sector, Sweden is committed to reach 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2030.
Sweden produces most of its energy from renewable renewable sources. The country has reached a high penetration of renewables and it is on track to meet the renewable energy targets set for 2030. Although bioenergy and hydropower remain the main sources of renewable heat and electricity in the country, wind and solar installations have been increasing rapidly in the last few years.
Bioenergy in Sweden
Biomass is the main source of renewable energy consumption in Sweden. Due to the country’s large forest area and low population density, the use of bioenergy is particularly high. In 2023, Sweden's bioenergy consumption stood at almost 150 terawatt hours, which is used primarily for heating, both in direct and district heating. While many other European countries rely mainly upon fossil fuels for heat, the Scandinavian country reached a renewable energy share in heating and cooling of more than 67 percent in 2023. Biomass is also used in the power sector and as a fuel for transportation, although to a much lesser extent.Hydropower: Sweden’s main source of electricity
Despite its relatively small population, Sweden ranks as one of the 10 countries with the largest hydroelectricity generation worldwide. In fact, hydropower is the main source of electricity production in the Scandinavian country. Differences in terrain elevation, along with high volumes of water, make the Swedish landscape particularly suited for the implementation of hydropower. In 2024, hydropower accounted for a 38 percent share of the country’s electricity generation. Another important renewable source in Sweden's power sector is wind. Wind power accounted for roughly 24 percent of electricity generation in 2023, reaching a wind electricity production of more than 40 terawatt hours. During the last 10 years, this figure has nearly quadrupled.Sweden produces most of its energy from renewable renewable sources. The country has reached a high penetration of renewables and it is on track to meet the renewable energy targets set for 2030. Although bioenergy and hydropower remain the main sources of renewable heat and electricity in the country, wind and solar installations have been increasing rapidly in the last few years.
