The European Union (EU) has reached a historic milestone in its clean energy transition. In 2023, fossil-free electricity—comprising renewables and nuclear—supplied 67.5% of the EU’s total power generation.
This marks a major shift away from fossil fuels, as renewable energy alone provided 44.7% of the EU’s electricity—setting a new record for clean power generation.
The numbers confirm an unstoppable trend: fossil fuels are in decline, and renewables are taking over.
Renewables Surge to 44.7% of EU Electricity 🚀
The biggest driver of the fossil-free transition is renewable energy, which accounted for 44.7% of the EU’s electricity in 2023. This represents a significant jump from 2022, with rapid expansion in wind and solar power leading the way.
How the EU’s Renewable Electricity Was Generated in 2023
💨 Wind power – 17.4% of total electricity
💧 Hydropower – 12.1%
🔆 Solar power – 11.0%
🌱 Other renewables (biomass, geothermal, etc.) – 4.2%
🔹 Solar power is the fastest-growing source, increasing from just 1% of total electricity generation in 2008 to 11% in 2023.
🔹 Wind power remains the dominant renewable source, now generating more electricity than coal across the EU.
The Renewable Energy Leaders 🇦🇹🇸🇪🇩🇰
Several EU countries are already running mostly on renewables:
✅ Austria – 87.8% (mostly hydro)
✅ Sweden – 87.5% (hydro and wind)
✅ Denmark – 79.4% (mostly wind)
Others, like Portugal (63.0%), Spain (56.9%), and Finland (52.4%), are making rapid progress.
Who Needs to Catch Up? 🏭⚠️
Some countries remain too reliant on fossil fuels. Malta (10.7%), Czechia (16.4%), and Luxembourg (18.0%) have some of the lowest shares of renewable electricity, highlighting the urgent need for stronger policies and investments in clean energy.
Beyond Renewables: 68% Fossil-Free Electricity
While renewables alone supplied 44.7% of EU electricity, the total fossil-free share—including nuclear—reached 68% in 2023.
The Full Breakdown of EU Electricity in 2023
Wind and Solar: 28.4%
Hydro, Biomass, etc.: 16.3%
Nuclear Power: 22.8%
Fossil Fuels: 32.5%
This means that two-thirds of Europe’s electricity is now fossil-free, and the reliance on coal and gas is steadily declining.
The Road to 100% Fossil-Free Energy
With 68% of EU electricity already fossil-free, the final step is clear: eliminating fossil fuels entirely. To do this, the EU must:
✔️ Expand wind and solar even faster – they are already the cheapest sources of new power.
✔️ Strengthen grid infrastructure and energy storage – to ensure clean power 24/7.
✔️ End fossil fuel subsidies once and for all – and redirect investments into renewables, nuclear, and energy storage solutions that can power the future.
✔️ Push for a global transition – ensuring that the rest of the world follows suit.
The numbers are clear: the fossil fuel era is ending. Renewables are leading the way, and nuclear is playing a supporting role. The next step? A fully fossil-free energy system.
We don’t have time to slow down. Let’s get to 100%—faster. #WeCanDoIt💪
Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250221-3
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/europe-renewables-climate-change-solar-wind-fossil-fuels-4a6ff96bbde3251cb42109e1d9d4b399
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3 w
Great news! Next up is phasing out fossil fuel subsidies 🔥💪
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4 w
How about energy efficiency? If we double it by 2030 - as the UN goal from COP28 states - how much fossil energy could be eliminated in the transition?
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4 w
Dear Ingmar Rentzhog Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to European Union by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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4 w
Wonderful. Now the model used in E.U should be forced on other nations. We can't waste any more time, the world is burning.
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4 w
This is great news that is encouraging. If more nations adopt renewable energy, fossil fuel use will drop and emissions will be low.
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4 w
It's a great transition , towards sustainable planet
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4 w
Impressive, I love the commitment. Progress is certain
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4 w
I am always intrigued by the EU's commitment to climate resilience and a total shift towards green energy. Great work
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4 w
Great progress
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4 w
The EU's shift toward clean energy proves that the transition away from fossil fuels is not only possible but already happening
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4 w
@grace_njeri_804 Europe’s energy revolution is happening fast. Imagine where they’ll be in another decade
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4 w
This is amazing and encouraging US should learn from one of the developed country, EU great I believe other countries that are competitive will follow suit and others will learn and wake up from slumber known that "fossil fuel Free we can" clean energy transition is possible.