Renewable energy in Sweden - statistics & facts

Renewable energy capacity in Sweden has been growing steadily during the past decade. From 2010 to 2021, the total renewable capacity installed in the country increased from 22.7 to 34.6 gigawatts. Overall, renewables accounted for 63 percent of the total energy consumed in 2021. This makes Sweden one of the European countries with the highest share of renewables in final energy consumption. In 2012, the Scandinavian country already reached the targets set for 2020, which aimed for a 50 percent share of renewables in final energy consumption. Regarding the power sector, Sweden is committed to reaching 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2040.

Bioenergy in Sweden

Biomass is the mainsource of renewable energy in Sweden. Due to the country’s large forest area and low population density, the use of bioenergy is particularly high. In 2021, Sweden's bioenergy consumption surpassed 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 68 percent in 2021. 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 2021, hydropower accounted for a 43 percent share of the country’s electricity supply. Another important renewable source in Sweden's power sector is wind. Wind power accounted for roughly 17 percent of electricity generation in 2021, reaching a production of more than 27 terawatt hours. During the last decade, this figure has increased by nearly eightfold.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Lucía Fernández, Mar 28, 2023

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