As of 2025, the EU's electricity consumption leans heavily towards low-carbon sources, with these clean options providing more than 70% of all electricity generated. Nuclear power forms a robust backbone of this green energy mix, contributing almost a quarter of all electricity. Wind power, contributing nearly 18%, plays a significant role, alongside hydropower and solar energy, which provide 15% and 11% respectively. Despite these promising figures, fossil energy still makes up over a quarter of electricity generation, with gas and coal being the major contributors at approximately 15% and 11%, respectively. Biofuels account for a small portion of electricity generation, standing at just under 4%.
Is Electricity Growing in EU?
Electricity consumption in the EU exhibits stagnation, showing no growth when compared to historical highs from 1980, with both total and low-carbon electricity usage per capita remaining unchanged. This stagnation is concerning in the context of increasing demand for electricity, driven by trends like electrification and AI. The growth of sustainable electricity generation is crucial to meet these impending demands and combat the persistent reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Without growth in electricity generation, particularly low-carbon sources, the EU risks falling behind in meeting environmental targets and supporting economic progress.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the EU should focus on expanding its existing nuclear, wind, and solar infrastructure given their already significant contribution to the energy mix. Drawing inspiration from regions where clean energy plays a dominant role can provide valuable insights. France and Slovakia, for example, leverage nuclear energy for almost 70% and 64% of their electricity, respectively, showing the potential for greater reliance on this reliable low-carbon energy. For wind power, Denmark and Iowa stand out, generating over half of their electricity using wind, illustrating the effectiveness of investing in wind energy. Finally, solar power expansion could be informed by countries like Greece, which already supplies a quarter of its electricity through solar generation, highlighting a scalable pathway for EU solar initiatives.
History
Throughout the history of low-carbon electricity in the EU, significant strides and challenges have shaped the landscape. In the early 1980s, nuclear energy saw rapid growth, with sizable annual increases sometimes surpassing 100 TWh. Yet, significant setbacks have also occurred, notably in 2009 and 2020, where nuclear saw reductions of about 60 TWh and 82.5 TWh, respectively. Hydropower has experienced fluctuations too, with declines in 1989, 2002, and 2011, and modest gains more recently in 2018 and 2023. These historical insights underline the importance of consistent investment and policy support for stable growth in low-carbon electricity as a reliable foundation moving forward. The expansion and innovation in nuclear and solar energy, with informed strategies from leading regions, are crucial to ensuring a sustainable and clean energy future in the EU.