In 2024, the European Union (EU) achieved a historic milestone with solar power surpassing coal for the first time in the region’s electricity generation mix. Solar energy accounted for 11% of the EU’s electricity, while coal’s share dropped below 10%, signaling a major shift toward cleaner energy sources. This milestone reflects the EU’s ongoing energy transition and efforts to decarbonize its energy sector.
Wind and solar energy contributed 29% of the EU’s total electricity generation, just shy of overtaking all fossil fuels combined, which stood at 28.9%. This growth in renewables helped reduce fossil fuel generation by 75 terawatt-hours (TWh), a 9% decline compared to 2023. Fossil fuel generation fell to its lowest level in over forty years, reaching 793 TWh. While this drop wasn’t as sharp as the record collapse between 2022 and 2023, it highlights the region’s shift toward renewable energy.
Hydropower had a record year, contributing significantly to the renewable energy mix. Nuclear energy output increased by 4.7%, driven by reactors restarting in France and Finland, offsetting a small decline in Germany’s nuclear output.
Although wind power growth was slower in 2024, due to low wind speeds and fewer new installations, stronger growth is expected in the coming years. Recent auctions and investments in wind projects, along with technological advancements, are expected to drive this growth.
The decline in fossil fuel generation is noteworthy, especially considering a modest rise in electricity demand by 31 TWh (+1%) and an increase in net electricity exports to non-EU countries by 15 TWh, including a significant rise to the UK (+11 TWh) and Ukraine (+4 TWh). This shows how renewable energy is not only gaining ground within the EU but also helping neighboring countries in their energy transitions.
Every gigawatt of electricity generated by non-imported fossil fuels represents money staying in the EU rather than going to countries like Russia, enhancing energy security and reducing geopolitical risks.
Spain and Germany have been key players in expanding renewable energy capacity. Spain, with its optimal climate for solar, has contributed greatly to the EU’s solar power generation. Germany continues to ramp up its wind power capacity, remaining one of the top contributors to the EU’s wind generation.
In the last 15 years, the EU has effectively halved its fossil fuel energy generation. While the energy crisis contributed to the decline in demand, about two-thirds of the reduction since 2009 has been due to solar and wind directly replacing fossil fuels. This reflects the broader trend of electrification, where renewable energy takes over a greater share of electricity generation, reducing fossil fuel use.
Looking ahead, electrification is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, with estimates suggesting that demand could double or even triple as sectors like transportation and heating transition to electric power. This increased demand presents challenges but also an opportunity to further displace fossil fuels. Even without additional growth in renewable generation, electrification alone will further reduce fossil fuel consumption.
In conclusion, 2024 was a key year for the EU’s energy transition, with renewable energy sources like wind and solar making significant strides in replacing fossil fuels. This shift advances the EU’s climate goals, enhances energy security, and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. With continued investments in renewables and electrification, the EU is on track for a sustainable, clean, and resilient energy future.
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