Historic drop in fossil fuels in the EU favored by renewable energies

For the first time in April, fossil fuels generated less than a quarter of the EU's electricity, thanks to strong growth in renewable energies.

Share:

Chute Énergies Fossiles UE

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

According to energy think tank Ember, the share of electricity generated by fossil fuels in the European Union reached a record low of 23% in April. This is 22% less than in April 2023. Moreover, this reduction comes despite a rise in electricity demand, exceeding the previous record of 27% set in May 2023.

Contribution from renewables

Sustained growth in wind and solar power, and a recovery in hydroelectricity, were the main drivers behind the reduction in fossil fuel production. Together, wind and solar generated more than a third of the EU’s electricity in April. On the other hand, the shares of gas and coal have fallen, with coal contributing just 8.6% to the energy mix, compared with 30% in 2023. And then there are the green hydrogen projects.

Impact in Germany and other EU countries

Germany has recorded the biggest drop in fossil fuel generation, with the closure of seven coal-fired power plants at the end of March 2024. This represents 32% of the total EU reduction. Italy and Spain also saw significant reductions. These accounted for 15% and smaller shares respectively of the total decline.

Resilience of renewables despite growing demand

Electricity demand rose slightly by 0.4% in the first four months of the year compared with 2023. Despite this, fossil-fired power generation continued to decline. Renewable energies are playing an increasingly important role in the energy mix. Ember’s Sarah Brown highlights the structural replacement of coal by wind and solar power. A sign of a well-established energy transition.
The EU’s energy transition continues to gather pace, with a significant drop in emissions and an increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix. These trends demonstrate the ability of renewable energies to meet growing demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.
More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.