Wind and Solar Power Outstrip Fossil Fuels in EU Electricity Generation for the First Time.
Renewable Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels for Electricity Generation in the European Union
Renewable sources of energy have surpassed fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) for the first time in a full month, according to analysis by London-based think tank Ember. In May, wind and solar sources accounted for 31 percent of the total electricity production in the EU, while fossil fuels provided 27 percent. Solar energy also reached an all-time high, producing 14 percent of EU electricity generation. The share of coal production in the EU hit an all-time low of 10 percent in May due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources. Ember predicts that renewable energy will continue to grow in the region and become the backbone of future electricity systems.
In the first five months of this year, electricity generation from coal and gas decreased by 20 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, electricity production from solar and wind increased by 10 and 5 percent, respectively. Ember Europe Leader Sarah Brown believes that Europe’s electricity transformation took place with record-breaking clean energy, emphasizing that wind and solar will not only reduce the use of fossil fuels but will also form the backbone of future electricity systems.
The trend towards renewable energy is timely since the EU has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 55 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, as part of the European Green Deal. The EU is also striving to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The recent data shows that renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, offering limitless potential for future energy needs while reducing harm to the environment. As the world focuses on transitioning into cleaner sources of energy, many hope that this trend towards renewables continues to grow, so our planet can remain habitable for generations to come.
