For the first time, wind and solar generated more than a third of EU electricity
[Brussels, May 10 2024] New data from energy think tank Ember reveals that in April 2024, the EU witnessed a historic decline in fossil generation. For the first time, less than a quarter of the EU’s electricity (23%) was produced from fossil fuels. This surpassed the previous record low of 27% in May 2023.
Last year fossil fuels generated less than a third of the EU’s electricity (33%) for the first time, while solar and wind reached a record 27%, according to Ember’s European Electricity Review.
The transition from fossil fuels to solar and wind has continued to gather pace in 2024. Generation from fossil fuels in April 2024 dropped by 24% (-14.8 TWh) compared to April 2023. Both coal and gas fell sharply. Coal generation contributed just 8.6% to the electricity mix and fell by 30% compared to the same month the previous year (-7.8 TWh). Meanwhile, gas generation provided only 12.1% of the mix, witnessing a 22% year-on-year decline (-6.8 TWh).
Among EU countries, Germany saw the largest fall in fossil generation compared to April last year, with a 26% drop (-4.8 TWh), representing 32% of the total EU fall. Italy saw the second largest fall (-24%, -2.2 TWh), contributing another 15% to the regional fall.
Wind and solar generated a record third of EU electricity for the first time
In April 2024, wind and solar generated more than a third (34%) of EU electricity for the first time, reaching a new milestone in the EU energy transition. This share beats the previous record from May 2023 (31%). Overall, renewables produced over half (54%) of EU electricity in April.
Even with recovering electricity demand, fossil fuel generation is plummeting
Despite a recovery in electricity demand, the EU witnessed a remarkable shift toward renewable energy sources. While fossil generation dropped by 18% year-on-year for the first four months of 2024, wind and solar generation increased by 14% compared to the same period last year.
With renewables displacing fossil fuels from the mix, EU power sector emissions were down 18% year-on-year over January to April 2024.
“The once unthinkable is happening before our eyes,” said Sarah Brown, Ember’s Europe Programme Director. “Fossil fuels are on the way out of Europe’s power sector. Solar and wind have stepped up as the main players, proving they are ready to take on their role as the backbone of the modern clean electricity system.”
Downloads
- EU fossil generation below 25% for the first month ever - PDF (496 KB)
- Press release - Fossil fuels provide less than a quarter of EU electricity for the first month ever - PDF (208 KB)
Notes to editors
The analysis will be published here 00:01 Brussels, May 10:
https://ember-climate.org/insights/in-brief/eu-fossil-generation-below-25-for-the-first-month-ever
Ember’s monthly generation data is available to download or explore on our website.
Media enquiries
Hannah Broadbent
Director of Communications & Strategy
About Ember
@EmberClimate
Ember is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. Ember is the trading name of Sandbag Climate Campaign CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England & Wales #06714443. 'Ember' and 'Sandbag' are trademarks held at the United Kingdom and European Union Intellectual Property Offices. All content is released under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence (CC-BY-4.0). Website powered by 100% renewable electricity.
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Read the full news release here
