Title: EU's Fossil Fuel Consumption Hits All-Time Low
The EU's commitment to sustainable energy has shown significant progress, as indicated by the think tank Ember's analysis. Last year, the share of electricity generated by coal dropped below 10%, marking a historic low. This shift in energy source can be attributed to the surge in solar energy, which for the first time surpassed the use of coal, accounting for approximately 11% of the EU's electricity mix.
The declining trend in fossil fuels extended beyond coal, with power generation from gas falling for the fifth consecutive year, reaching around 16%. Together, fossil fuels like coal, gas, oil, and waste made up about 29% of the EU's power generation.
The compelling growth in renewable energy is the driving force behind this transformation. In 2024, renewable energy sources accounted for 47.5% of the EU's electricity production, with solar and wind energy sharing a larger slice than fossil fuels. Solar energy saw a significant boost, with a 21.7% increase compared to 2023. Approximately 17% of the electricity was produced by wind power, while hydropower and biomass also contributed to this green shift.
Commenting on the development, Chris Rosslowe from Ember asserted, "Fossil fuels are losing their influence on the EU's energy supply." This rapid transition is a testament to the progress made since the European Green Deal was launched in 2019. The Green Deal, a collection of regulations and measures aimed at reducing emissions across various sectors, has played a crucial role in this transition.
This report analyzed power generation and demand data from all 27 EU countries to reach these conclusions. The findings underscore the EU's shift towards clean energy, emphasizing the vital role of solar and wind energy in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering energy security.
The EU's commitment to the Green Deal has contributed significantly to the decreased reliance on fossil fuels. By 2024, renewable energy sources, driven primarily by solar and wind, comprised over half of the EU's electricity production, demonstrating the success of the Green Deal in promoting sustainable energy.
