In 2024, the EU's electricity landscape predominantly leans towards low-carbon sources. More than half of the electricity generated comes from clean energy, with around 71% attributed to these low-carbon sources. Specifically, nuclear power contributes about 24%, making it a significant part of the EU's low-carbon electricity generation mix. Wind power adds approximately 18%, followed closely by hydropower and solar energy, contributing 13% and 11% respectively. On the fossil fuel side, gas generates about 16% and coal contributes nearly 10%, with biofuels making up a modest portion at around 5%. This clear dominance of low-carbon electricity highlights the EU's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from its electricity sector.
Is Electricity Growing in EU?
Despite the EU's progress in expanding its share of low-carbon electricity, overall electricity consumption within the union has not yet surpassed its past records. As of 2024, the electricity usage per person is about 6084 kWh, a noticeable decrease from the peak of 6859 kWh recorded in 2008. However, there is encouraging growth in low-carbon electricity generation, with the latest figure being 4328 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record. The increase of 264 kWh per person compared to the prior year underscores the ongoing transition towards more sustainable electricity generation methods. Nevertheless, the decline in overall consumption may reflect broader economic or efficiency trends that call for further investigation and action to ensure future electricity demand is met.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, the EU should focus on expanding its existing nuclear, wind, and solar infrastructure. Countries like France and Slovakia showcase high nuclear power utilization, generating significant portions of their electricity through nuclear sources at 68% and 62% respectively. Additionally, Denmark excels in harnessing wind energy, generating over half of its electricity from this clean source. By learning from these examples, the EU can strengthen its nuclear and wind energy capacities, alongside solar power. For instance, Lebanon's solar energy contribution at 31% demonstrates significant potential for solar power expansion. Increasing investments in these areas will not only enhance clean electricity generation but also reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating their harmful environmental impacts.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the EU reveals periods of remarkable growth, especially in nuclear power during the early 1980s. From 1981 to 1986, nuclear electricity generation saw substantial increases, with noteworthy growth of 80.1 TWh in 1981 and an impressive peak of 113 TWh in 1985. However, subsequent decades experienced some contractions, as seen with notable declines like the -59.8 TWh in 2009 and an even steeper reduction of -122.5 TWh in 2022. Hydro electricity generation experienced variability too, with sharp declines in years like 1989 and 2022, contrasted by healthy recoveries in 2018 and 2023. Meanwhile, solar and wind energy have seen recent growth, with significant additions of 51.6 TWh and 50.7 TWh in 2024 and 2023, respectively. These trends underscore the EU's progress and the pressing need for ongoing investment to secure a sustainable, low-carbon electricity future.