Liechtenstein's dependency on imported energy
Liechtenstein, a small principality nestled between Austria and Switzerland, relies heavily on imported energy, with approximately 90 percent of its total energy consumption coming from outside sources. The country's energy profile reveals that in 2013, it consumed 1,356.6 gigawatt-hours, with per capita consumption remaining consistent over the years. The energy usage is primarily allocated to heating (50 percent), transportation (30 percent), and commercial and industrial sectors (20 percent). While Liechtenstein generates a modest amount of electricity from hydroelectric plants, the majority of its electricity is imported, predominantly from nuclear and hydro sources in neighboring countries.
Fossil fuels play a significant role in Liechtenstein's energy consumption, accounting for about half of the total energy needs, all of which are imported. Nevertheless, the nation has made strides in renewable energy, with approximately 57 percent of its energy coming from renewable sources in 2022, primarily from hydropower and biomass. In an effort to enhance its energy sustainability, Liechtenstein unveiled its Energy Strategy for 2024-2030, targeting a reduction in energy demand, an increase in renewable energy usage, and significant cuts in CO2 emissions. This strategic plan reflects the principality's commitment to improving its energy resilience while addressing environmental concerns.
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Liechtenstein's dependency on imported energy
Official Name: Principality of Liechtenstein.
Summary: The small principality of Liechtenstein is dependent mainly on imported energy, with an import share of approximately 90 percent of total energy use.
Located between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein has an area of only 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) and is considered the sixth-smallest independent nation in the world. In 2013, its overall energy consumption was 1,356.6 gigawatt-hours, reflecting per capita use of 36.5 megawatt-hours. Per capita use has remained about the same since 1990, varying with demand for heating. The overall amount of energy produced was only 133.6 gigawatt-hours in 2015. Energy was used for heating (50 percent), transport (30 percent), and commercial and industrial production (20 percent). In 2022, about 57 percent of its energy was derived from renewable energy sources.
Electricity
Electricity is the most important energy carrier, with a share of 33 percent of whole energy consumption in 2017. Liechtenstein is dependent mainly on imported electricity. However, electricity production was 68.43 million kilowatt-hours in 2015, out of consumption of 393.6 million kilowatt-hours. Nearly all produced electricity comes from a few hydropower plants, which provide over 60,000 megawatt-hours. Five block-heating power plants produce 795 megawatt-hours, and 288 photovoltaic (PV) plants provide 927 megawatt-hours. A large part (over 50 percent) of the imported electricity from France and Switzerland is from nuclear energy; other energy resources are mainly hydropower. The structure of electricity resources is the reason for the country’s low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in comparison to other nations.
Fossil Fuels
In 2017, fossil fuels were estimated to account for about half of its energy consumption, with a total import rate of 100 percent. The consumption of petro was 8.4 percent, heating oil was 10.0 percent, diesel was 10.0 percent and natural gas was 21.5 percent.
Coal has played a diminishing role in energy use; consumption of 1 gigawatt-hours in 1985 decreased to 12 megawatt-hours in 2009. By 2013, coal was not accounted for in the nation's energy use.
Renewable Energy
Domestic energy production from renewable energy sources is significant, about 50 percent in 2022. For example, hydropower for electricity production constitutes about 75 percent of domestic energy production, or about 66 gigawatt-hours. Apart from hydropower, the most important renewable energy source was solid biomass. Liechtenstein is located in a mountainous area in the Alps, so wood has traditionally been used for heating.
Hydropower could be enhanced, through improvements in existing power plants, to an estimated 78 gigawatt-hours. Geothermal power has barely been used but has an estimated potential of 2 gigawatt-hours. Because of monetary subsidies for solar collectors, it is expected that use of solar power will steadily increase. A wind power farm could be built in a natural reserve, although that possibility is regarded as unrealistic.
In 2024, Liechtenstein unveiled its Energy Strategy, which set sustainability goals for 2021 to 2030. It aimed to reduce its energy demand by 10 percent, increase its use of renewable energy by 30 percent and reduce its CO2 emissions by 40 percent.
Bibliography
Eccardt, Thomas M. Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. New York: Hippocrene Books, 2005.
Encyclopedia of the Nations. "Liechtenstein." http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Liechtenstein-ENERGY-AND-POWER.html. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.
"Liechtenstein." The World Factbook, 31 July 2024, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/liechtenstein/#energy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024. "Open Energy Information. "Liechtenstein." en.openei.org/wiki/Liechtenstein. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.