EU’s wind and solar power surpasses fossil fuels in H1 2024

Wind and solar in the EU produced more electricity than fossil fuels in the first half of 2024, the first time this has happened in any half-year period, according to a new report released today by think tank Ember.

Wind and solar expanded to a record 30% of the EU’s electricity in the first half of the year, while fossil fuel output dropped 17% to account for 27% of total generation.

The fall in fossil fuels came despite a recovery in electricity demand, up 0.7% year-over-year, after the impacts of Covid and the gas price crisis. According to Ember’s analysis, mild weather and strong hydro performance also played a role in the fossil generation drop. The largest factor, however, was wind and solar growth after record capacity additions for both technologies in 2023. A continued focus on accelerating wind and solar from the EU can now be expected following Ursula von der Leyen’s confirmation as President of the European Commission, Ember said.

“The first half of the year shows fossil generation’s narrowing role in the power sector, and gains for renewables that are beyond temporary variations in conditions. We are witnessing a historic shift and it is happening rapidly,” commented Ember analyst Chris Rosslowe.

Across the EU, solar generation grew by 21%, or 25 TWh, compared to the first half of 2023, while wind generation increased by 9%, or 20 TWh.

Thirteen member states now produce more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels, with Germany, Belgium, Hungary and the Netherlands achieving this milestone for the first time. In May, Spain for the first time got over 50% of its electricity from wind and solar.

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