Wind and solar generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU during the first six months of 2024 for the first time ever in a half-year period.

New analysis from independent energy think tank Ember reveals that wind and solar grew to an all-time high of 30% of the EU’s electricity in the first half of 2024. This compared to 27% from fossil fuels, which fell by 17%. 

The fall in fossil fuels happened even as electricity demand rose 0.7% compared to 2023, the result of recovery from the pandemic and the gas price crisis. Despite this, coal saw a sharp drop by nearly a quarter (-24%), and gas fell by 14%. Growth in renewables, particularly wind and solar, was the primary reason for this as their growth outpaced the rebound in demand to replace fossil fuel power as well.

Source: https://electrek.co
Author: Michelle Lewis