Renewable energy generation surpassed fossil energy for the first time during winter in the EU

A study by the Ember energy think tank revealed that renewable energy generation accounted for more than fossils in Europe this past winter, for the first time ever.

Furthermore, the study investigated the period between October 2022 and March 2023, and showed that renewables accounted for 40% of the European Union’s energy mix, while fossils accounted for 37%, with a 12% drop compared to the previous winter.

Energy consumption in the EU showed a 7% decrease as compared to the previous year, which translates to 94 TWh and €12 billion savings. Both coal and gas generation also decreased significantly, namely by 11% (27 TWh) and 13% (38TWh) respectively, while renewable energy generation increased by 4%.

Wind and solar energy showed a 6% increase compared to last year, while hydro remained about the same.

After the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war, fear arose that Europe would need to ramp-up its coal energy production, but the statistics show how 15 out of the 18 coal-using country-members reduced its use.

23 out of the 27 European countries showed reduced monthly electricity demand, while Romania, Slovakia and Greece reached or exceeded the 10% reduction earlier set by the Union. Finally, the ones which showed consumption increases were Poland, Denmark, Malta, and Ireland.