Change in electricity consumption in the European Union (EU) 2010-2022, by country

In the past 12 years, Malta recorded the greatest change in electricity consumption within the European Union. Between 2010 and 2022, the amount of power consumed in the country increased by nearly 25 percent. Meanwhile, Greece recorded the largest decline during the period, with demand dropping by more than 11.4 percent. Generally, most Eastern European countries saw their electricity consumption increase during the timespan considered.

Electricity demand in the European Union

Despite recording the largest growth in the decade, Malta still exhibited the lowest electricity demand in the European Union in 2022. The Mediterranean archipelago’s electricity consumption stood at less than three terawatt-hours that year. In contrast, Germany – with a population estimated at more than 80 million inhabitants – was the largest consumer in the region that year, with more than 554 terawatt-hours, or roughly 20 percent of the total EU’s electricity demand.

Meeting the demand

Overall, the biggest electricity consumers in the European Union are also the largest electricity producers in the region, with Germany and France taking the lead. Nevertheless, while Italy also ranked amongst the top 5 producers, the country's output falls short of meeting its demand. In recent years, Italy was the EU's largest electricity net importer, at more than 42 terawatt-hours.