Solar Energy Surpasses Coal in EU Mix: Report

Synopsis

In a landmark shift for 2024, solar power has overtaken coal in Europe's energy landscape, according to a report by Ember. This marks a significant milestone as renewables continue to expand while fossil fuel use declines, showcasing a pivot towards sustainable energy solutions across the continent.

Key Takeaways

Solar power surpassed coal for the first time in 2024.
Renewable energy sources reached 47% of the EU's mix.
Coal's share dropped to 9.8%.
Gas consumption decreased by 20% over five years.
Nuclear energy accounts for 23.7% of generation.

Brussels, Jan 23 (NationPress) In 2024, solar power has surpassed coal in Europe's electricity mix for the very first time, while gas consumption has decreased for the fifth consecutive year, according to a report from the energy think tank Ember, released on Thursday.

The report indicates that renewable energy sources, propelled by the growth of wind and solar energy, have increased their share from 34 percent in 2019 to 47 percent in 2024. It also noted that the share of fossil fuels has dropped to a historic low of 29 percent in 2024, down from 39 percent in 2019.

It pointed out that solar energy is on the rise across all EU nations, while coal is becoming increasingly obsolete. In 2024, the electricity generated from solar power in the EU saw a remarkable increase of 21.7 percent compared to 2023.

Over the past five years, total gas consumption in the EU has decreased by 20 percent, with about one-third of the reduction occurring in the power sector.

Currently, nuclear energy contributes 23.7 percent to the EU's electricity generation, followed by wind at 17.4 percent, gas at 15.7 percent, hydro at 13.2 percent, solar at 11.1 percent, and coal at 9.8 percent. The remainder is supplied by bioenergy and other sources.

Despite advancements in the green transition, energy prices in the EU remain elevated. In 2024, the average wholesale gas price in EU countries was nearly five times higher than that of the United States, while industrial electricity prices were about 2.5 times greater, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The United States stands as the EU's primary supplier of liquefied natural gas. A report from USAFacts published last September revealed that three-quarters of U.S. energy production is derived from fossil fuels, with renewable energy, nuclear power, and natural gas liquids making up the remaining quarter.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday indicating the country’s plan to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on her X account on Tuesday that “All continents will have to confront the escalating challenge of climate change. Its effects are undeniable.”

“The Paris Agreement continues to represent humanity’s best hope. Europe will remain committed to this path. We will collaborate with all countries that aspire to combat global warming,” she affirmed.