How fast is the share of renewable energy in total gross energy inland consumption is increasing in Europe?

Policy Question

Indicator codes: CSI 030 , ENER 029

Key messages

(08 Aug 2011)

The share of renewable energy sources in gross inland energy consumption (GEIC) increased in the EU-27 from 4.4% in 1990 to 8.4% in 2008. The main contributor is biomass and wastes (5.8% of the GEIC), following by hydro (1.6%) and wind (0.6%). Because the gross inland energy consumption of the EU-27 increased by 8.3% between 1990 and 2008, some of the environmental benefits (e.g. reductions in GHG emissions and air pollution) brought about by an increased share of renewable energy sources were offset.

In 2008, the share of renewable energy in total gross inland consumption in EU-15 was 8.6%, hence a significant effort will be needed to meet the indicative target of 12 % share of renewables by 2010.

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