All official European Union website addresses are in the europa.eu domain.
See all EU institutions and bodies
An official website of the European Union | How do you know?
Environmental information systems
EN
Our quality of life depends on a reliable and affordable supply of energy. Energy powers our homes, businesses, industries and transport systems. Europe's shift away from fossil fuels can cut greenhouse gas emissions and pollution while strengthening energy security.
Fossil fuels still play a major role in Europe's energy system. They contribute to climate change and air pollution, while dependence on imported fossil fuels can leave Europe exposed to changing prices and disruptions in global energy markets.
Europe is already changing how it produces and uses energy, with renewable energy playing a growing role. This shift can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make the energy system more resilient.
But changing where our energy comes from is only part of the transition. Using less energy and using it more efficiently can further reduce emissions and pressure on natural resources while lowering demand for fossil fuels.
Europe now needs to accelerate its clean energy transition to meet its 2030 energy and climate targets and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This means expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and investing in electricity grids, storage and other infrastructure needed to deliver reliable and affordable energy.
Press releases and articles
Publications
Indicators
Maps and charts
Datahub
Country fact sheets
Projects
Frequently asked questions
Renewables help shield Europe from energy price shocks
Europe remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, leaving consumers and businesses exposed to volatile global energy markets.
Our briefing shows how homegrown renewable electricity is already helping to reduce the impact of gas price shocks. It also explains why faster renewable energy deployment could help avoid a potential 125% rise in wholesale electricity prices by 2030, while strengthening Europe's energy security and competitiveness.
Andres Siimon on Unsplash
Samuel Girven on Unsplash
What will it take to transform Europe's energy system?
Europe is rapidly expanding renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power. But producing more renewable electricity is only part of the transition.
Our report explores how cleaner electricity, greater use of electricity in transport and heating, stronger grids and energy storage can work together to build a more secure and competitive energy system.
Cleaner energy is helping cut Europe's emissions
Changes in Europe’s energy system have played a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from electricity and heat production fell by 58% between 1990 and 2024, the largest reduction of any sector.
Our latest analysis explores how the growth of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency and the shift away from more carbon-intensive fossil fuels have helped drive down emissions.
Andrzej Bochenski, ImaginAIR /EEA