The Transition to Renewable Energy in the EU
The electrical energy system of the EU continues its rapid transition to renewable energy sources, driven by wind and solar power. Production from fossil fuels reached its lowest level in the first half of this year, despite an increase in demand for electricity and prices returning to pre-crisis levels. The inertia behind the transition to clean energy is spreading: almost half of the member states have generated more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels in the first six months.
The Decline of Fossil Fuels
In the first half of 2024, a report by the brain trust Ember revealed a significant decline in the production of fossil fuels. Despite a resurgence in demand, the production of fossil fuels continued to plummet to new lows. Fossil fuels generated 17% less energy (-71 TWh) in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, decreasing their share to 27% of total production (343 TWh).
The report also found that power plants in the EU burned 24% less coal and 14% less gas from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. This shift occurred despite a slight increase in…
Decrease in Energy Demand and Emissions
The search for electricity has been increasing steadily, but due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it declined for two years. As a result, emissions in the first half of the year are nearly one-third (-31%) lower than in the first half of 2022 – an unprecedented decrease in such a short period. Over 75% of the reduction in fossil fuel production comes from just five member states (Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium). The largest decrease is in Germany, where fossil fuel production has decreased by 19 TWh (-16%).
The Decline of Coal Production in Europe
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decrease in coal production across Europe. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the shift towards cleaner energy sources and the decrease in demand for coal. As a result, countries like Germany have seen a significant drop in the use of coal for electricity generation.
Germany, for example, has reduced its reliance on coal for electricity production by 26% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This trend is also evident in other European countries, where the production of fossil fuels has been gradually decreasing. Even in countries like Poland, which have traditionally relied heavily on coal for electricity generation, there has been a shift away from this source of energy.
The Rise of Renewable Energy in Poland
Poland has made significant progress in transitioning towards renewable energy sources, with coal now accounting for only 57% of the country’s electricity production in May 2024. Just five years ago, in May 2019, coal was responsible for 80% of Poland’s electricity generation.
Growth of Wind and Solar Power
The growth of wind and solar power has been the primary driver behind the decline in fossil fuels. Demand for electricity increased by 0.7% in the first half of 2024, marking a reversal from the previous two years when demand decreased amid gas price crises. However, the mild winter limited the growth as wind and solar energy continued to expand.
The Rise of Renewable Energy Sources
In response to the increasing demand for alternative energy sources, renewable energy has experienced a surge in growth. With favorable conditions and added capacity, renewable energy sources have been able to meet the growing need to replace fossil fuel production.
The strong growth in wind and solar energy has been a key factor in the decline of energy from fossil fuels in the first half of the year. Solar energy production has increased by 20% (+23 TWh), while wind production has risen by 9.5% (+21 TWh) compared to the first six months of 2023.
The Growth of Renewable Energy in the EU
The use of wind and solar energy has increased by 13% (+45 TWh) in the European Union. This means that their share in electricity production in the EU has risen from 27% in the first half of 2023 to 30% in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. Hydroelectric power has also recovered by 21% (+33 TWh) after droughts led to low production in the previous two years.
In 2023, the EU broke records for both wind and solar power capacities, contributing to the growth in electricity production this year. In Germany, reforms to reduce bureaucracy have been implemented, aiming to streamline processes and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
The Future of Solar Energy: Increasing Capacity through Roof Installations
In recent years, the push for renewable energy sources has led to a significant increase in solar power capacity. One of the key factors driving this growth is the installation of solar panels on rooftops.
As we look towards the future, it is clear that rooftop solar installations will continue to play a crucial role in expanding solar energy capacity. By harnessing the power of the sun through rooftop panels, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease our carbon footprint.
Experts predict that by 2024, the capacity of rooftop solar installations will continue to grow, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape. Governments and businesses alike are investing in solar energy projects, recognizing the importance of transitioning to cleaner sources of power.
