Renewables overtake fossil fuels to provide 30% of EU electricity

The Facts

• Wind and solar power provided 30% of the EU's electricity for the first time in the first half of 2024, according to the climate think tank Ember. The report found that coal, oil, and gas power generation decreased by 17% compared to the year before, down to 27%.

• Nuclear (24%), hydro (15%), and biofuels (4%), respectively, generated the remaining energy. France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were among 13 EU nations that generated more power from renewables than fossil fuels in the first 6 months of the year.

• After COVID-19 and the gas price crisis, power consumption increased by 0.7% year-over-year, but there was a decrease in fossil fuel dependency. This dramatic decline in fossil fuel use was attributed to the significant development of wind and solar energy. Additionally, mild weather and increased hydropower output contributed to the reduction.