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Increased renewable energy sources will help the EU transition towards a prosperous, sustainable, climate-compatible and independent economy. In recent years, Europe has been generating more renewable energy and a growing share of its energy consumption is met through renewable sources.
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Cleaner transport thanks to renewable energy?
The share of energy from renewable sources used for transport in the EU increased from under 2% in 2005 to 10.2% in 2020. This means that, collectively, the EU countries reached the 10% target for the share of energy from renewable sources in the transport sector.
Preliminary EEA data indicate that in 2021, the share of energy from renewable sources used for transport in the EU stabilised at around the same level (10.2%). Progress among the EU Member States varies significantly, from 5.6% in Greece to 34% in Sweden.
How much of our energy comes from renewable sources?
In 2021, 22% of the energy consumed in the EU was generated from renewable sources, according to our early estimates. This is the same as the level observed in 2020, despite the two years being marked by different conditions and consumption patterns.
Consumption of renewables increased in absolute terms in 2021, driven by their higher penetration in the heating sector, as well as increased electricity generation from solar power. However, this was eclipsed by slower wind speeds and a rapid rebound of non-renewables after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The long-term prospects may still fall short of the current 32% renewable energy target set for 2030.
Climate and energy in the EU: progress towards climate neutrality by 2050
Sibylle Maus, Sustainably Yours/EEA
Become a prosumer and help the EU switch to renewable energy
People, institutions and businesses can help deploy renewable energy and reduce fuel imports by becoming prosumers, who both produce and consume energy. For example, by installing solar panels on their roofs or by being part of an energy community, prosumers can lower their bills while supporting the energy transition. They can also provide other services to the power grid such as energy storage.
Prosumers still face many challenges, including costs, regulatory barriers, or lack of volunteers or expertise. However, opportunities for prosumers are growing with technological development and, importantly, an increasingly supportive EU policy framework. Prosumers are now a key element of the recent REPowerEU proposal and its Solar Rooftop initiative.