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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.
Energy services for heating and cooling, cooking, lighting, transport and manufacturing are vital for society’s functioning. Over the past two decades, renewable energy production and consumption have increased rapidly across the EU in response to dedicated policies and measures, and facilitated by rapid technological progress. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions across the EU energy system have decreased steadily since 1990, and the EU has achieved its 20% renewable energy target in 2020. In 2023, renewable energy sources represented an estimated 24.5% of the European Union’s final energy use.
Solar panels on rooftops, electric cars and wind turbines on the horizon are becoming quite common and ordinary sights across Europe. Yet, fossil fuels remain the largest source of energy.
While not without impact, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources like solar, wind and biomass, helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, as well as contributes to increasing Europe’s energy independence.
Renewable and clean energy will play a vital role in determining Europe's ability to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, while ensuring a steady supply of energy at affordable prices. Although already underway, the transition towards a clean and renewable energy system needs to speed up and transform key sectors, including transport, and put in place the infrastructure and governance needed. The European Green Deal and its policy initiatives, including RePowerEU, aim to facilitate this.
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Renewables and electrification: the EU's energy transformation
Europe’s energy transition is well under way - CO₂ emissions in the EU electricity sector have dropped significantly over recent decades. But to meet climate goals, further electrification is needed in heating, industry, and transport.
The shift will also help lower energy prices, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. Smarter grids, greater flexibility and stronger cross-border coordination will be key to building a clean, competitive and connected energy system by 2030.
Decarbonisation in the EU: Renewable energy's growing role
Total net greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union dropped by 8% last year, marking significant progress towards climate neutrality for the EU. The huge drop was led by a significant decline in coal use and growth of renewable energy sources and supported by reduced energy consumption across Europe, according to estimated figures included in the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘Trends and Projections’ report.
The accelerating decarbonisation of the European economy has only been possible due to the rapid expansion of renewable energy, paired with the reduced use of fossil fuels.
According to EEA estimates, the share of renewable energy has grown from 10% in 2005 to an estimated 24% of the EU’s gross final energy consumption by 2023.
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Climate and energy in the EU: progress towards climate neutrality by 2050
ImageSibylle Maus, Sustainably Yours/EEA
Harnessing offshore wind while preserving the seas
Understanding the trade-offs involved in placing turbines in sensitive and vulnerable coastal waters, coupled with an integrated planning approach when expanding marine protected areas, can help to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts, according to the EEA briefing "Harnessing offshore wind while preserving the seas".
It notes that the installation of offshore wind farms can be combined with other measures that benefit the environment. Offshore wind deployment can also lead to positive impacts on the local environment, such as leading to the creation of new habitats, based on artificial reefs.
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CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Cleaner transport thanks to renewable energy?
The share of energy from renewable sources used for road and rail transport in the European Union increased from less than 2% in 2005 to 10.1% in 2023, according to preliminary EEA data. These sources include biofuels, renewable electricity, or hydrogen and synthetic fuels of renewable origin.
The uptake of renewable energy sources for transportation varies greatly among EU Member States. Sweden and Finland show the highest shares of renewable energy in 2023, with 29.5% and 19.4% respectively.
Preliminary estimates for 2023 display that eight countries have reached a level more than 10% of renewable energy used in transport. These were Netherlands, Malta, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Germany, and Spain. France had a share that was very close to 10%.
