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.
Renewable energy sources are now generating more energy than fossil fuels in the EU, marking a watershed moment in the power sector. If member states continue to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives as planned in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, they will be on track to achieve their objectives and successfully transition away from fossil fuels.
Despite progress towards climate neutrality, the EU and Germany still import fossil fuels due to domestic supply challenges. The Russian invastion of Ukraine, coupled with the energy crisis, has brought attention to the issue of import dependency and the need for renewable energy growth as a possible solution. Europe has learned to minimize its reliance on Russian supplies, but still imports substantial amounts of refined oil products and LNG from other sources.