A new survey of energy production across Europe in the first half of 2024 indicates that 30% of EU energy now comes from renewables sources (wind turbines and solar panels), overtaking the contribution of fossil fuels. In addition to growth in these areas, it is also reflected by a 17% decrease in power generated by coal, oil and gas, indicating the shift away from reliance upon these sources. It has also led to a drop (by around a third) in the sector’s emissions since 2022. Thirteen EU member states generated more energy from wind and solar than coal and gas for the first time in 2024, with a record 16.2 GW of new wind power installed in 2023. This is all positive news for indicating that Europe, among the world’s biggest polluters historically, can make a positive change to reliance upon cleaner energy sources. The UK has also reached a similar stage earlier this year, with 2024 being the first year that renewable energy has matched if not outstripped the contribution of fossil fuels.

Read More Here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/30/renewables-overtake-fossil-fuels-to-provide-30-of-eu-electricity

Image Source: Guardian Graphic; Ember monthly electricity data from 13 EU states