Wind turbines and solar panels have overtaken fossil fuels to generate 30% of the European Union’s electricity in the first half of the year, a report has found.
Power generation from burning coal, oil and gas fell 17% in the first six months of 2024 compared with the same period the year before, according to climate thinktank Ember. It found the continued shift away from polluting fuels has led to a one-third drop in the sector’s emissions since the first half of 2022.
Chris Rosslowe, an analyst at Ember, said the rise of wind and solar was narrowing the role of fossil fuels. “We are witnessing a historic shift in the power sector, and it is happening rapidly. "
The report found EU power plants burned 24% less coal and 14% less gas from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. The shift comes despite a small uptick in electricity demand that has followed two years of decline linked to the pandemic and Ukraine war.
“If member states can keep momentum up on wind and solar deployment then freedom from fossil power reliance will truly start to come into view,” said Rosslowe.
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A great milestone! Keep the momentum! 💪
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E.U remains at the Frontline in the race towards shifting to cleaner energy. I wish other continents would be as committed as E.U
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By 30% this is a big margin that will make a very big difference, and we are happy to for the EU.
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24 w
I can't wait for a future where electricity will be 100 percent be produced from renewables
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@rosebellendiritu All we do is to be hopeful.
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It's a promising sign of progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape in Europe.
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@peter_karanga very true.
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With increased renewable energy..I do believe that we'll surely bring about change sooner than expected.
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This is great news. Though they are capable of doing more, i would wish to see if it surpasses 60%.
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EU is on the path to a sustainable future! 🌿🔋
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Renewable energy is the best way to be emulated globally.
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This is great news! This is the way to go 👏💚
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@gorffly_mokua 💯