In an unprecedented achievement, the European Union (EU) has recorded a significant decrease in the emission of coal, gas y carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2023, marking a milestone in its transition to a cleaner energy matrix. The renewable energiesled by the wind and solar energyhave driven the transformation, surpassing 40% of total electricity generation for the first time.
The analysis The European Electricity Reviewby a group of experts from EmberThe fossil fuels suffered a historic drop of 19%, reaching its lowest level on record, accounting for less than one-third of the electricity generation of the EU.
The document adds that the renewable energieswith a record share of 44%, have played a crucial role in this transition, with wind and solar power contributing an impressive 27% of the total electricity generated in the region.
Wind power outperforms gas-fired generation
In 2023, for the first time in history, the wind energy has surpassed the gas generation in the EU, which not only points to the success of the renewable energiesbut also underscores the continuing decline of the fossil fuels in the European energy matrix.
"Electricity produced from wind was 475 TWh, equivalent to France's total electricity demand, compared to 452 TWh from gas. This was the only year in which wind generation exceeded that from coal (333 TWh), apart from 2020, amid the impacts of Covid-19," the report states.
Meanwhile, gas generation fell by 15% (-82 TWh) to 452 TWh, the largest annual reduction since at least 1990.
"This was the fourth consecutive year of declining gas generation, and gas will account for 17% of total EU generation in 2023," he stresses.
The paper adds that 17 GW of wind power will be installed in 2023, compared to 16 GW in 2022, marginally achieving the largest annual capacity increase ever recorded. However, this deployment rate must nearly double to more than 30 GW per year by 2030 if the EU is to meet its targets.
Reduction in demand for fossil fuels is a trend
Despite the energy crisisThe drop in electricity demand also contributed to the decline in fossil fuel generation. Demand experienced a reduction of 3.4% compared to 2022 and an impressive 6.4% relative to 2021 levels, marking a trend that could change with increasing electrification in the future.
The long-term decline of coal has accelerated, and it is expected that the phasing out of coal-fired power plants will coal plants will continue in 2024. As coal nears phase-out in several countries, gas is expected to be the next to face terminal decline, says Ember.
The European Electricity Review states that although clean generation already exceeds two-thirds of total EU electricity, it highlights the importance of cleaner generation enablers in the EU. clean energysuch as networks, storage and demand response.
These elements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company. energy systemas the EU moves towards a complete transition from fossil fuels to a backbone supported by wind and solar energy.
With 24% of hours in 2023 seeing less than a quarter of electricity coming from fossil fuels, the importance of these changes becomes more apparent, outlining a future where sustainability and energy efficiency will be a priority.
Source: Ember
