Solar power overtook coal as a source of electricity in the European Union (EU) for the first time in 2024, according to a report released on Thursday by climate think tank Ember.
Solar power has become the EU’s fastest growing energy source, contributing 11% of its supply. Overall, strong growth in solar and wind has increased the share of renewables to 47% from 34% in 2019.
Only 10% of the block’s electricity was generated from coal. The report highlights the continued decline in dependence on fossil fuels, with gas production falling for the fifth consecutive year and overall fossil-fuel electricity falling to a historic low of 29%.
“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy,” says Chris Roslowe, energy expert at Amber Sid.
Impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on EU energy consumption
The European Green Deal, enacted in 2019, has been crucial in accelerating the EU’s transition to clean energy.
Rising gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also forced Europe to turn to renewable energy in search of cheaper, cleaner alternatives.
Falling demand for gas in the EU has significantly reduced dependence on Russian gas.
With increased use of new wind and solar capacity, the region has avoided fossil fuel imports worth about $61 billion (€58.6 billion) since 2019, the report said.
“This is sending a clear message that their energy needs will be met by clean energy, not gas imports,” said Peter de Paus, a Brussels-based energy analyst at European think tank E3G.
Europe is striving towards clean energy
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that Europe would “continue to work with all countries that want to protect nature and stop global warming.”
The report comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement aimed at curbing global warming and is pursuing a “drill, baby, drill” energy policy.
Trump said the US has the “largest” oil and gas reserves in the world and intends to use them. The US is the world’s second largest greenhouse gas emitter.
Amber K Rosslowe emphasizes that the EU’s leadership in clean power becomes even more important amid such developments.
“It’s about increasing European energy independence, and it’s about showing climate leadership,” he said.
ss/lo (AP, AFP, dpa)
