Energy

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Essential for the generation of industrial, commercial and societal wealth, energy also provides personal comfort and mobility. But its production and consumption place considerable pressures on the environment: greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, land use, waste generation and oil spills. These pressures contribute to climate change, damage natural ecosystems and the man-made environment, and have adverse effects on human health. More

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Countries give only limited information on the results of their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

News 05 Jul 2018

Most national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe target energy consumption and energy supply, while economic and regulatory instruments are the most common means of cutting emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The report also reveals that EU Member States report the actual effects and costs for only a small number of their policies and measures.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing

News 31 May 2018

Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

Renewables accounted for vast majority of new EU power capacity in 2016

News 18 Dec 2017

Transition to renewable energy continues in the European Union (EU) but has lost some pace in the past two years. According to new European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates, renewables accounted for 86 % of the EU’s new capacity for electricity generation installed in 2016. Overall, EU Member States also continue to cut more capacity from conventional sources than they install.

EU still on track to meet targets on renewables and energy efficiency but progress slowing down

News 24 Nov 2017

The European Union (EU) and most of its Member States are on track to reach their 2020 targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency. However, recent increases in energy consumption are slowing down progress, according to a new analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The EEA analysis calls for Member States to keep energy consumption in check, particularly in times of economic growth, and to accelerate the decarbonisation of the EU energy system.

Countries give only limited information on the results of their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Most national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe target energy consumption and energy supply, while economic and regulatory instruments are the most common means of cutting emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The report also reveals that EU Member States report the actual effects and costs for only a small number of their policies and measures.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

Renewables accounted for vast majority of new EU power capacity in 2016 Transition to renewable energy continues in the European Union (EU) but has lost some pace in the past two years. According to new European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates, renewables accounted for 86 % of the EU’s new capacity for electricity generation installed in 2016. Overall, EU Member States also continue to cut more capacity from conventional sources than they install.

EU still on track to meet targets on renewables and energy efficiency but progress slowing down The European Union (EU) and most of its Member States are on track to reach their 2020 targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency. However, recent increases in energy consumption are slowing down progress, according to a new analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The EEA analysis calls for Member States to keep energy consumption in check, particularly in times of economic growth, and to accelerate the decarbonisation of the EU energy system.

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Understanding and acting on the complexity of climate change

Article 17 Sep 2018

Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt across the globe, affecting people, nature and the economy. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases significantly. Translating this overall objective into concrete measures requires understanding a complex system linking emissions from different sources to national and regional impacts, global governance and potential co-benefits. The European Environment Agency strives to continuously improve the knowledge needed for designing effective measures on the ground.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets

Article 15 Dec 2017

The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

Driving to an electric future?

Article 29 Aug 2017

A quiet change is under way on European roads. The use of electric vehicles is projected to take off across Europe. It is a move that could help pave the way to a greener road transport system, but one that could pose challenges in meeting energy demand and investing in relevant infrastructure.

Making clean renewable energy happen

Article 29 Aug 2017

Investing in clean energy must go hand in hand with energy efficiency and energy savings. Innovative solutions can fundamentally change the way we produce, store, transport and use energy. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy might affect communities dependent on fossil fuels in the short run. With targeted policies and investments in new professional skills, clean energy can provide new economic opportunities.

Understanding and acting on the complexity of climate change Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt across the globe, affecting people, nature and the economy. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases significantly. Translating this overall objective into concrete measures requires understanding a complex system linking emissions from different sources to national and regional impacts, global governance and potential co-benefits. The European Environment Agency strives to continuously improve the knowledge needed for designing effective measures on the ground.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

Driving to an electric future? A quiet change is under way on European roads. The use of electric vehicles is projected to take off across Europe. It is a move that could help pave the way to a greener road transport system, but one that could pose challenges in meeting energy demand and investing in relevant infrastructure.

Making clean renewable energy happen Investing in clean energy must go hand in hand with energy efficiency and energy savings. Innovative solutions can fundamentally change the way we produce, store, transport and use energy. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy might affect communities dependent on fossil fuels in the short run. With targeted policies and investments in new professional skills, clean energy can provide new economic opportunities.

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Using Member States information on policies and measures to support policymaking: energy efficiency in buildings

Publication 06 Jul 2018

In line with EU legislation, Member States report information on their policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This information is used to monitor climate action at a national level. It is also important for supporting policy evaluation and informing policy decisions. This briefing presents the results of two case studies analysing policies and measures targeting energy efficiency in buildings.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Fuel quality in the EU in 2016

Publication 31 Jan 2018

Fuel quality monitoring under the Fuel Quality Directive.

Renewable energy in Europe 2017 — Recent growth and knock-on effects

Publication 18 Dec 2017

This report provides an overview of progress in renewable energy in Europe, based on official statistics until 2015 and preliminary estimates for 2016.

Using Member States information on policies and measures to support policymaking: energy efficiency in buildings In line with EU legislation, Member States report information on their policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This information is used to monitor climate action at a national level. It is also important for supporting policy evaluation and informing policy decisions. This briefing presents the results of two case studies analysing policies and measures targeting energy efficiency in buildings.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Fuel quality in the EU in 2016 Fuel quality monitoring under the Fuel Quality Directive.

Renewable energy in Europe 2017 — Recent growth and knock-on effects This report provides an overview of progress in renewable energy in Europe, based on official statistics until 2015 and preliminary estimates for 2016.

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EEA Air quality animation

Video 29 Nov 2017

Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

EEA Air quality animation Air – it’s all around us. It’s what we breathe, and it’s vital to our health and well-being. Economic activities, such as transport, industry and agriculture, release air pollutants, harmful to the environment and human health. SHOW MORE

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

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European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL

Data 11 Sep 2018

Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Number of people exposed to night-time noise (Lnight) ≥ 50 dB

Data Visualization 19 Jul 2018

Number of people exposed to average day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) ≥ 55 dB

Data Visualization 19 Jul 2018

Fuel Quality Directive

Data 03 Jul 2018

By 31st of August each year the Member States must submit a summary of fuel quality monitoring data collected during the period January to December of the previous calendar year, in accordance with Article 8(1) of Directive 98/70/EC as amended by Directive 2009/30/EC. The delivery process is managed by EEA.

Electric vehicles as a proportion of the total fleet

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.

Energy intensity

Indicator Assessment 25 May 2018

Between 1990 and 2015, energy intensity decreased by 1.7 % per year in the EU-28 and by 1.6 % across the EEA member countries [1] . In 2015, energy intensity was 35 % below 1990 levels in the EU-28 and 34 % below 1990 levels in the EEA member countries. During this period, the rate of decrease in energy intensity in the EU-28 was rather constant. The 1990-2005 period is characterised by relatively high economic growth but more moderate growth in gross inland energy consumption. The 2005-2015 period, however, is characterised by lower economic growth and decreasing gross inland energy consumption. As a result, the rate of decrease in energy intensity is rather similar in both periods. In all EEA member countries, energy intensity decreased between 2005 and 2015. The largest decreases were observed in central and eastern European countries (e.g. Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia) because of changes in their economic structure. [1] The 33 EEA member countries include the 28 European Union Member States together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020

Figure 28 Nov 2017

Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Gross final energy consumption of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, 2005-2015 and approximated RES share 2016

Figure 16 Oct 2017

The bar charts represent the gross final renewable (green) and non-renewable (grey) energy consumption of the EU-28. The white dots show the renewable energy share of the EU-28 compared to the target in 2020.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Energy and mitigating climate change

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Development of wind farm areas in Europe

Figure 29 Jun 2015

The map provides an overview of wind farm areas in all stages of development in Europe. The pie chart shows the different levels of development %.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Number of people exposed to night-time noise (Lnight) ≥ 50 dB

Number of people exposed to average day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) ≥ 55 dB

Fuel Quality Directive By 31st of August each year the Member States must submit a summary of fuel quality monitoring data collected during the period January to December of the previous calendar year, in accordance with Article 8(1) of Directive 98/70/EC as amended by Directive 2009/30/EC. The delivery process is managed by EEA.

$Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.$ Electric vehicles as a proportion of the total fleet Compared with 2016, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the EU-28 increased by 51 % in 2017, the highest increase since 2008. Nevertheless, BEVs continue to constitute only a very small fraction of new vehicle registrations . Around 224 000 p lug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in 2017, a 35 % increase compared with 2016. The largest number of registrations was recorded in France (more than 26 110 vehicles), Germany (more than 24 350 vehicles) and the UK (more than 13 580 vehicles). Combined, the relative share of PHEV and BEV sales was highest in Sweden, Belgium and Finland, with shares of 5.5 %, 2.7 % and 2.6 % respectively of national car sales in 2017.

Energy intensity Between 1990 and 2015, energy intensity decreased by 1.7 % per year in the EU-28 and by 1.6 % across the EEA member countries [1] . In 2015, energy intensity was 35 % below 1990 levels in the EU-28 and 34 % below 1990 levels in the EEA member countries. During this period, the rate of decrease in energy intensity in the EU-28 was rather constant. The 1990-2005 period is characterised by relatively high economic growth but more moderate growth in gross inland energy consumption. The 2005-2015 period, however, is characterised by lower economic growth and decreasing gross inland energy consumption. As a result, the rate of decrease in energy intensity is rather similar in both periods. In all EEA member countries, energy intensity decreased between 2005 and 2015. The largest decreases were observed in central and eastern European countries (e.g. Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia) because of changes in their economic structure. [1] The 33 EEA member countries include the 28 European Union Member States together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020 Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015 The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Gross final energy consumption of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, 2005-2015 and approximated RES share 2016 The bar charts represent the gross final renewable (green) and non-renewable (grey) energy consumption of the EU-28. The white dots show the renewable energy share of the EU-28 compared to the target in 2020.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Energy and mitigating climate change

Development of wind farm areas in Europe The map provides an overview of wind farm areas in all stages of development in Europe. The pie chart shows the different levels of development %.

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Understanding and acting on the complexity of climate change

Article 17 Sep 2018

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL

Data 11 Sep 2018

Number of people exposed to average day-evening-night noise levels (Lden) ≥ 55 dB

Data Visualization 19 Jul 2018

Number of people exposed to night-time noise (Lnight) ≥ 50 dB

Data Visualization 19 Jul 2018

Using Member States information on policies and measures to support policymaking: energy efficiency in buildings

Publication 06 Jul 2018

Countries give only limited information on the results of their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

News 05 Jul 2018

Fuel Quality Directive

Data 03 Jul 2018

Electric vehicles as a proportion of the total fleet

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing

News 31 May 2018

Energy intensity

Indicator Assessment 25 May 2018

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets

Article 15 Dec 2017

EEA Air quality animation

Video 29 Nov 2017

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.