Independent energy think tank Ember has released a report demonstrating a major milestone for the EU.
April saw fossil fuels generate under ¼ of the EU’s electricity in a month, with renewable energy from solar and wind leading the way.
The full report can be found here.
Highlights
Record Low Fossil Fuel Generation:
- In April 2024, fossil fuel generation in the EU fell to a record low of 23% of total electricity generation.
- This is down from 27% in May 2023.
- Fossil fuel generation in April 2024 was down 14.8 TWh (-24%) compared to April 2023, reaching its lowest monthly level at 46 TWh.
Wind and Solar Energy Growth:
- Wind and solar energy generated more than a third (34%) of EU electricity in April 2024, a record high.
- The previous record was 31% in May 2023.
- Wind and solar energy output reached 68 TWh in April 2024, more than double the electricity generated from hydro (32 TWh).
- Wind and solar accounted for 62% of all renewable generation in April 2024.
Renewable Energy Share:
- Renewables produced over half (54%) of EU electricity in April 2024, the highest-ever share.
- Hydropower output rose 28% (+6.9 TWh) compared to April 2023, increasing its share from 12.3% to 15.7%.
Decline in Coal and Gas:
- Coal generation fell to 8.6% of the EU’s electricity mix in April 2024, its lowest share ever, down 7.3 TWh (-30%) from April 2023.
- Gas generation made up 12.1% of the EU’s electricity mix in April 2024, its lowest share in at least eight years, down 6.8 TWh (-22%) from April 2023.
Emissions Reduction:
- Power sector emissions fell 22% year-on-year in April 2024.
- Record low monthly power sector emissions in April 2024 at 38 MtCO2, down 10% from the previous record in May 2023 (42 MtCO2).
- For January-April 2024, power sector emissions were down 18% compared to the same period in 2023.
Country-Specific Data:
- Germany saw the largest fall in fossil generation compared to April last year, at 4.8 TWh (-26%), representing 32% of the total EU fall.
- Italy experienced a 2.2 TWh (-24%) fall, contributing 15% to the total EU decline.
- Seven lignite-fired power plant units with a combined capacity of 3.1 gigawatts were closed in Germany at the end of March 2024.
Electricity Demand:
- Electricity demand increased by 0.4% year-on-year over January-April 2023.
- Despite the increase in demand, fossil fuel generation continued to decline.
Long-Term Trends:
- The decline in fossil fuel generation and increase in renewables are part of an established shift in the EU’s electricity transition.
- The first four months of 2024 saw an 18% year-on-year decline in fossil fuel generation.
