Australia reaches record solar, generating a QUARTER of its electricity from solar in October 2024

Among EU countries, Germany saw the largest fall in fossil generation compared to April last year, with a 26% drop (-4.8 TWh), representing 32% of the total EU fall. Italy saw the second largest fall (-24%, -2.2 TWh), contributing another 15% to the regional fall.

Wind and solar generated a record third of EU electricity for the first time

In April 2024, wind and solar generated more than a third (34%) of EU electricity for the first time, reaching a new milestone in the EU energy transition. This share beats the previous record from May 2023 (31%). Overall, renewables produced over half (54%) of EU electricity in April.

Even with recovering electricity demand, fossil fuel generation is plummeting

Despite a recovery in electricity demand, the EU witnessed a remarkable shift toward renewable energy sources. While fossil generation dropped by 18% year-on-year for the first four months of 2024, wind and solar generation increased by 14% compared to the same period last year.

With renewables displacing fossil fuels from the mix, EU power sector emissions were down 18% year-on-year over January to April 2024.

“The once unthinkable is happening before our eyes,” said Sarah Brown, Ember’s Europe Programme Director. “Fossil fuels are on the way out of Europe’s power sector. Solar and wind have stepped up as the main players, proving they are ready to take on their role as the backbone of the modern clean electricity system.”