EU: Renewables Surpass Fossil Fuels for First Time

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Facts

  • Wind and solar power provided 30% of the EU's electricity for the first time in the first half of 2024, according to the climate think tank Ember.[1]
  • France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were among 13 EU nations behind the uptick, having generated more power from renewables than fossil fuels in the first six months of the year.[2]
  • The report found that coal, oil, and gas power generation decreased by 17% compared to the year before, growing 27%.[2]
  • This drop comes despite an increase in electricity usage following an initial decline during COVID, with power consumption increasing by 0.7% year-over-year.[3]
  • Despite having some of the highest-reaching environmental goals, Europe is reportedly one of the largest historical polluters of planet-heating gases.[1]

Sources: [1]Guardian, [2]Euronews and [3]BusinessGreen News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Ember. This latest development marks a watershed moment in the power sector. If EU member states continue to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives as planned, they will be on track to achieve their objectives and successfully transition away from fossil fuels.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Clean Energy Wire. Despite progress toward climate neutrality, the EU is still painfully reliant on the import of fossil fuels due to domestic supply challenges. While this report is exciting news, it shouldn't be used as an excuse to take the foot off the pedal; the EU is still far from its climate goals.

Predictions