In 2023, Europe witnessed a significant transformation in its energy landscape, marked by a 26% drop in coal electricity generation and a 15% decline in gas, resulting in a remarkable 19% reduction in the EU's power sector emissions. Wind power, experiencing an 18% growth, surpassed gas, contributing 17% to Europe's electricity. Wind and solar power jointly reached a record high, generating 27% of the EU's electricity, with solar covering 9%. With hydroelectric power also making a comeback, renewables achieved a historic 44% share of the EU's power mix.
Ember's report emphasizes the monumental shift in the EU's power sector, where fossil fuels are diminishing, and a system anchored by wind and solar is emerging. Interestingly, the shift wasn't merely a substitution of coal and gas with renewables; overall electricity demand dropped by 3.4% compared to 2022, driven in part by reduced industrial power usage. However, as Europe embraces electrification through EVs and heat pumps, electricity demand is expected to rise, emphasizing the need for continued renewable expansion, aligning with the EU's goal for wind and solar to provide 55% of its power by 2030.
Ember's report also highlights Europe's increasing reliance on wind and solar, with 24% of hours in 2023 seeing less than a quarter of electricity sourced from fossil fuels, a substantial increase from just 4% in 2022. The evolving energy landscape underscores Europe's commitment to clean power amid the climate crisis. While coal and gas decline, renewables must accelerate to meet the continent's energy needs and climate goals.
Source: electrek.co