Insights

In 2023, EU fossil fuel generation fell to less than a third of the electricity mix (33%) for the first time, driven by a record 26% drop in coal generation. Wind and solar combined for 27% of EU electricity, with wind surpassing gas power for the first time. While solar capacity grew by 56 GW, wind generation growth remains inconsistent and below the 15% annual increase needed for REPowerEU targets. EU electricity demand fell by 3.4% in 2023 to its lowest level since 2001, though a rise of 2-3% is projected for 2024. To support this transition, the EU requires significant grid investments—estimated at €584 billion by 2030—and an increase in storage capacity to 200 GW by 2030 to manage variable renewable energy and reduce curtailment.

• Fossil fuel generation in the EU dropped to less than a third of the total electricity mix for the first time in 2023, reaching 33%. This was primarily driven by a record 26% decline in coal generation, with coal accounting for 56% (116 TWh) of the total 209 TWh drop in fossil generation.

APA

Ember (2024). Insights. https://ember-energy.org/chapter/chapter-2-insights/

Chicago

Ember. Insights. 2024. https://ember-energy.org/chapter/chapter-2-insights/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Ember |title=Insights |date=7 February 2024 |url=https://ember-energy.org/chapter/chapter-2-insights/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ember2024insights, author = {{Ember}}, title = {{Insights}}, institution = {Ember}, year = {2024}, month = feb, url = {https://ember-energy.org/chapter/chapter-2-insights/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }