EU’s fossil fuel dependency plummets to record low in April amidst surge in renewable energy

This significant milestone, reported by energy think tank Ember, marks the first time fossil fuels provided less than a quarter of the EU’s energy, highlighting the accelerating transition towards renewable sources.

The unprecedented decrease in fossil fuel generation, a remarkable 22% drop compared to April 2023, was propelled by the remarkable growth of wind and solar energy, coupled with the resurgence of hydropower. Renewables surged to a record 54% share of the electricity mix, with wind and solar alone accounting for over a third of the EU’s electricity output in April.

Coal, once a dominant player in the energy landscape, saw its contribution dwindle to just 8.6%, a stark decline from 30% in 2023. Gas also experienced a substantial decrease, providing only 12.1% of the EU’s electricity, representing a 22% decline year-on-year.

Sarah Brown, Ember’s Europe Programme Director, hailed the momentous shift, declaring that “fossil fuels are on the way out of Europe’s power sector.” She emphasized the pivotal role of wind and solar as the new backbone of the clean electricity system, ready to assume leadership in the transition to sustainable energy.

Germany emerged as the frontrunner in fossil fuel reduction, witnessing a 26% decline in fossil fuel generation, with the closure of seven coal-fired power stations contributing significantly to the country’s transition. Italy and Spain followed suit with notable reductions, signaling a continent-wide trend towards renewable energy dominance.

Despite a slight uptick in electricity demand since October, fossil fuel electricity generation continued to decline, underscoring the resilience of renewables in displacing traditional sources. The structural decline of coal, coupled with the meteoric rise of wind and solar, exemplifies the ongoing transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.

Ember’s report not only highlights April’s exceptional figures but also underscores the broader trajectory of the EU’s electricity transition, with emissions down 18% in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This unprecedented momentum signals a promising future for renewable energy and marks a significant step towards decarbonization and climate resilience in the EU.