The electricity generation of the European Union, driven by wind and solar, passed fossil fuels for the first time in history during the first half of 2024. This is according to a new analysis by Ember, after wind and solar power reached 30% of EU electricity, while fossil fuels fell to 27%, down 17%. This milestone reflects a remarkable change in the EU’s energy landscape owing to increased capacity in renewable energy and thereby reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Record Growth in Wind and Solar Energy
The rise of wind and solar in the EU has been phenomenal, while renewables reached a record level in 2024. This 30% share of generation is one whopping rise well above the tumbling share of fossil fuels. This growth of renewable energy has been the single most equated reason for a decline in the reliance on fossil fuels, notably coal and natural gas, which declined 24% and 14%, respectively.
A number of these factors have contributed to this trend, favorable weather that supported the output of renewable energy sources, and increased hydroelectricity. However, the largest driver has been the expansion in EU wind and solar capacity. Record installations of both wind turbines and solar panels in 2023 laid the bed for this progress as the EU was able to meet its energy needs while cutting its consumption of fossil fuels.
Geopolitical Tensions and Changes in Policy
Geopolitical events, particularly the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, have put pressure on an accelerated transition in moving away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy sources within the European Union. The conflict has raised a raft of policies by the European Union and its Member States geared toward reducing gas imports, much of which used to come from Russia. Among them were large investments in wind and solar energies, which are now beginning to pay dividends with these renewables taking the lead in the EU’s energy mix.
It is not a change in just a couple of countries; this is across the EU. Thirteen Member States are generating more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels, indicative of highly dispersed adoption of renewable energy sources. The most significant entrants into this ranking comprise Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands, all reaching that milestone for the first time; each country’s progress was brisk.
Country-Specific Achievements and Records
In the first half of 2024, many EU countries set records for renewable energy production. Spain, for example, generated over 50% of its power with wind and solar during May-a record for the nation. Similarly, Poland, heavily reliant on coal, reached a new high of one-third of its electricity from wind and solar in the same month.
It was not to be left out, as Hungary also recorded all-time highs in solar power production for three consecutive months, starting April 2024 and running through June 2024. These records are indicative of the rising importance of wind and solar energy in the power sector, along with the increased capacity of the renewables to meet demand for electricity.
The Shrinkage of Fossil Fuels
As wind and solar continue to grow, the role of fossil fuels in the EU’s power sector narrows. The decline in fossil fuel generation is a function not just of the increased renewable capacity but also one of broader changes in the energy market. Yet, EU commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and attainment of related climate goals drove investments in renewable energy. Economic factors also cause a further decrease in the usage of fossil fuels due to fluctuating costs and the continuous energy transition.
Ember’s analysis indicates that the drop in fossil fuel power is a trend that is likely to continue, especially if Member States continue their present pace in deploying wind and solar energies. With further investments and conducive policy, there might be a possibility of the EU getting closer to reaching free movement away from fossil fuel dependency, reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced energy security.
Outlook ahead of
It was during the first half of 2024 that the energy transition in the European Union witnessed its turning point, due to the fact that wind and solar energy outran fossil fuels for the first time in electricity generation. This shows the continued European political will toward renewable energy and facing challenges related to climate change and energy security.
In the future, the EU would most probably focus on policy development that would be targeting the addition of more renewable energy capacity, particularly wind and solar, as it gradually moves out of reliance on fossil fuel. It is now for the European Union to reinforce its leading position in transitioning toward a sustainable energy future as more European Union Member States achieve their various renewable energy generation milestones.
Source: Ember