EU renewable energy hits 46% of electricity in Q1 ’24

The European Union (EU) made significant strides in its clean energy transition during the first quarter of 2024, with renewable energy sources generating 46 per cent of electricity, up from 40 per cent in Q1 2023. Fossil fuel generation dropped to 25 per cent, a substantial decrease from 31 per cent a year earlier.

Renewable energy saw considerable growth, with solar and wind generation increasing by 11 per cent or 18 TWh. Onshore wind power rose by 6 per cent (+7 TWh) and offshore wind surged by 34 per cent (+5 TWh).

Solar power jumped by 20 per cent (+6 TWh), and hydropower output improved by 26 per cent (+22 TWh). This growth was supported by additional installed capacity.

Fossil fuel generation fell by 25 per cent, with coal-fired power down by 34 per cent (-17 TWh) and gas generation decreasing by 8 per cent (-8 TWh).

The decline was attributed to lower demand and continued high levels of renewable energy production. Nuclear power also saw a 4 per cent increase in output (+6 TWh).