Solar and Wind Energy Drive Europe Towards a Sustainable Energy Future

For the first time, over a quarter of the EU’s electricity (27%) was provided by wind and solar energy in 2023, driving renewable electricity to a 44% share. The combined generation from wind and solar reached a record 90 TWh, with installed capacity at 73 GW.

Solar Energy: Accelerated Growth

Solar energy has emerged as a key source of electricity in the European Union, reaching a record 9.1% of total generation in 2023, equivalent to 246 TWh. It increased by 35 TWh alone in 2023. This growth is a testament to the rapid deployment and adoption of this clean, local technology. Not only is this generation source growing in capacity, but also in efficiency. The long-term trend is clear: solar energy is expanding rapidly. Since 2015, it has increased by 146%, and it is expected to continue this upward trajectory.

Regional Highligths:

• Greece: Leads in percentage growth with 19% of its electricity coming from solar energy (9 TWh), marking a significant increase and showcasing its commitment to renewables.
• Spain: Ranks as the second largest producer of solar energy in the EU, generating 45 TWh in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year.
• Italy and France: Italy generated 31 TWh and France 23 TWh, also establishing themselves as significant players in the European solar landscape.
• Bulgaria: Although not a standout in absolute terms, Bulgaria has grown by 9% in solar energy, contributing to the overall regional growth.

Wind Energy: Surpassing Gas

Wind energy has also shown remarkable growth, reaching 18% of electricity generation in the EU in 2023, with a record increase of 55 TWh (+13%) compared to 2022. Wind energy produced 475 TWh, equivalent to France’s total electricity demand, compared to 452 TWh from gas. This increase has allowed wind energy to surpass gas-generated electricity for the first time. The EU has been a pioneer in adopting wind technology, and the growth trend suggests it will continue to play a central role in the energy mix. With favourable wind conditions, particularly in winter months, wind generation is expected to keep setting new records.

Country Contributions

• Germany: Tops the list with 141 TWh generated by wind energy, increasing its production by 16 TWh in 2023.
• France and the Netherlands: France increased its wind generation by 10 TWh, while the Netherlands added 7.8 TWh, demonstrating strong growth in these markets.
• Spain: Generated 64 TWh of wind energy, solidifying its position as one of the leading producers of this energy in Europe.

Advancements in the Energy Transition

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a turning point in Europe’s reliance on fossil fuels. The onset of this war catalysed a structural shift towards clean energies, accelerating the energy transition across the EU.

In 2023, the decoupling from not just coal, but also gas, intensified, reaching historic lows in electricity generation from fossil fuels, which accounted for less than a third of total generation for the first time.

Emissions from the electricity sector fell by a record 19% (-157 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent) in 2023, surpassing the previous highest annual drop of 13% in 2020. Since its peak in 2007, emissions from the electricity sector in the EU have been reduced by almost half (-46%). The growth of wind and solar energy has driven much of this decline, alongside reduced electricity demand.

As electrification progresses across all sectors, energy demand will continue to rise. It is crucial that this increase is met by a rise in renewable energy to achieve climate goals.

This progress in renewable energy deployment needs to be even faster to maximise the benefits of the energy transition. Creating a flexible, efficient, and decarbonised energy system is fundamental. Although record increases in generation and capacity have been achieved, the pace is still not fast enough to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

As the share of wind and solar energy continues to grow, grid infrastructure, storage, and demand response will become increasingly critical. The EU’s electricity system is undergoing a major shift towards a wind and solar-dominated system, and maintaining a clear political focus is essential to consolidate and expand the progress made.

Unprecedented Drop in Coal and Gas

Electricity generation from fossil fuels plummeted by 19% (-209 TWh) in 2023, reaching its lowest level in history and representing less than a third of the EU’s electricity mix for the first time. Coal generation fell by 26% (-116 TWh), reaching its lowest recorded level, and gas generation decreased by 15% (-82 TWh), the largest annual reduction since at least 1990.

The closure of coal plants, which had slowed during the energy crisis, continues to be scheduled for the coming years. As coal approaches elimination, gas will be the next to enter terminal decline.