Electricity in EU in 2024

In 2024, the European Union (EU) has made significant strides in its electricity generation landscape, with more than two-thirds of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources, an important step toward sustainability. Almost a quarter of this low-carbon electricity is generated through nuclear power, supporting the stability and reliability of the EU's energy matrix. Wind and solar also play critical roles, contributing nearly 18% and 11% respectively to the clean energy mix. Fossil fuels make up a little less than 30% of the EU's electricity generation, with gas and coal at 16% and 10% respectively, highlighting the necessity of further reduction in these sectors to tackle climate change and pollution. Hydropower complements the low-carbon contributions with about 13% of the overall electricity generation.

Suggestions

To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, the EU can significantly expand its existing capacities in nuclear, wind, and solar power. The success stories from various countries present insightful strategies; for instance, France and Slovakia have achieved over 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcasing the potential of nuclear expansion within the EU. Denmark stands out with wind energy providing over half of its electricity, setting a benchmark for EU nations in harnessing wind resources. By learning from these examples, the EU can enhance its infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support the growth of these clean energy sources, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards a more sustainable future.

History

Historically, the growth of low-carbon electricity in the EU has seen fluctuations, particularly in nuclear energy. The early 1980s were marked by a robust build-up of nuclear capacity, with remarkable annual increases like 113 TWh in 1985. However, significant declines occurred in the late 2000s and 2020s, as seen in the sharp reductions of 82.5 TWh in 2020 and 122.5 TWh in 2022, posing challenges for maintaining this low-carbon source’s contribution. Meanwhile, hydroelectric power has had its ups and downs, recovering from downturns like the substantial decrease of 67.7 TWh in 2011. Solar energy has shown encouraging growth, especially in recent years, with a notable increase of 51.6 TWh in 2024. Wind also stepped up recently, reflecting a steady increase in sustainable energy generation and signaling a positive trajectory for the EU to amplify its green energy mix further.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources