Wind and solar energy production surpassed gas in the EU last year

Energy generated from solar and wind power surpassed natural gas in the European Union (EU) for the first time last year, according to data from UK clean-energy think tank Ember reported by Bloomberg. Solar and wind energy reached a record high of 22 percent of the EU’s electricity consumption in 2022. Meanwhile, Ember forecasts a 20 percent decrease in fossil fuel generation this year, with gas experiencing the steepest decline.

Shifts in energy sources are largely attributed to the reduction in gas and coal reliance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response to Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin halted natural gas exports to the EU, leading to high costs that contributed to an approximately eight percent drop in energy demand in Q4 2022 compared to the previous year. The changes in energy supply have prompted a focus on reducing gas demand and phasing out coal, signaling a significant increase in clean energy production.

Ember’s report anticipates that nuclear power will remain stable in 2023, as the planned decommissioning of German nuclear reactors offsets any potential increase from France. Additionally, hydropower is expected to increase by approximately 40 terawatt-hours this year following a severe drought in 2022.