In a groundbreaking revelation, Ember’s annual European Electricity Review for 2023 sheds light on a monumental shift towards renewable energy across the European Union (EU). The report, analyzing electricity generation and demand data from all EU-27 countries, offers profound insights into the region’s transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. Let’s delve into the key findings of this pivotal review:
Record Decline in Fossil Fuel Dependency
2023 marked a watershed moment as renewable energy surged forward, while CO2 emissions, coal, and gas reached record lows. Notably, fossil fuels’ contribution to the EU’s electricity mix plummeted by a remarkable 19%, dipping below one-third for the first time in history. Coal generation witnessed a substantial 26% drop, hitting its lowest level ever, constituting only 12% of the EU electricity mix. Gas generation also experienced a significant 15% decline, marking the largest annual reduction since 1990, with gas now accounting for merely 17% of total EU generation.
Remarkable Emissions Reduction
The EU power sector recorded a sharp decrease of 19% in emissions, equivalent to -157 tonnes of carbon dioxide, surpassing the 13% annual drop observed during the 2020 pandemic. Since the peak in power sector emissions in 2007, there has been a remarkable -46% decline. The 3.4% drop in electricity demand in 2023 played a pivotal role in the overall reduction in emissions, contributing to 45% of the decline in fossil fuel generation. Additionally, the rise in wind and solar generation contributed to 43%, accounting for 90 TWh of the fall in fossil fuel generation.
Surge in Renewable Energy Adoption
Renewable energy soared to a remarkable 44% share in the EU electricity mix, surpassing the 40% milestone for the first time in history. Solar and wind power emerged as frontrunners in this growth, contributing 27% to EU electricity production, up from 23% in 2022. This achievement marked a record in annual capacity additions, with combined wind and solar generation witnessing an unprecedented increase of 90 TWh, and installed capacity growing by 73 GW. Notably, solar power exhibited robust growth, adding 56 GW of additional capacity in 2023, compared to 41 GW in 2022 (+37%).
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, a significant portion (21 GW) of the EU’s coal fleet is slated for closure in the coming years, with shutdowns scheduled for 2024 and 2025. This includes the closure of 10 GW of coal power plants in Germany, primarily scheduled for April 2024. In 2025, several coal plants in Italy, Poland, Greece, and Spain are set to cease operations. These closures align with the ongoing trend of the structural decline of coal in the EU, accompanied by a transition towards renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, as coal phases out across the EU, the next major shift will be a transition away from gas. With renewable energy sources gaining momentum, 2023 stands out as a milestone year in Europe’s journey towards a sustainable energy future, setting a precedent for global climate action.
