Last year, the share of renewable energy in the total electricity generation of the European Union (EU) reached an all-time high. In contrast, the United States is expected to see an increase in fossil fuel usage, exacerbating the conflict surrounding energy transition agendas between the U.S. and the EU.
According to a report released on the 23rd (local time) by Ember, a climate and energy research institute in the United Kingdom, the total renewable energy produced across the EU last year, including solar, wind, and hydropower, was 1,300 TWh, accounting for 47.4% of total electricity generation. This figure represents an increase of 7.6% (92 TWh) compared to the previous year. When adding nuclear power generation, which is not included in renewable energy but emits almost no greenhouse gases (23.7%), the share of clean energy reaches 71.1%.
In particular, the share of Taeyang power generation in total electricity production increased from 9.3% in 2023 to 11.1% last year, surpassing the share of coal generation (9.8%) for the first time. Last year, the solar power generation in the EU was 304 TWh.
On the other hand, the share of fossil fuels such as coal and gas in EU electricity generation was 28.9%, marking the lowest level in 40 years.
According to the Associated Press, the rapid transition to renewable energy by the EU is attributed to the green industry policy package known as "Green Deal." The Green Deal aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Despite the energy crisis following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent halt of Russian gas supplies in February 2022, the EU has been accelerating its green transition.
Chris Rosslow, a researcher at Ember, noted, "Fossil fuels are losing their share in EU energy," adding, "When the Green Deal was introduced (in 2019), fossil fuels accounted for 39% of European electricity generation, but that share is now only 29%."
The EU's movements stand in stark contrast to the United States. President Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change on the 20th, immediately upon taking office, declaring plans to expand fossil fuel drilling. The U.S. still derives about two-thirds of its electricity generation from fossil fuels, with the share of renewable energy remaining around 21%.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated during a clean energy discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, "The EU is maintaining its energy transition and is ready to accelerate the shift to clean energy with all relevant global actors."