Fossil Fuel Use For Generating Electricity Is Way Down in the European Union

In the first six months of 2023 fossil fuel use to produce electricity in the European Union (EU) dropped by 17% compared to the same period in 2022 according to the group Ember, an “independent energy think tank.” Full details can be found in the group’s report.

Fossil fuels were used for only 33% of electricity generation, while wind and solar generated more than 30% of electricity in the EU for the first time.

This was not driven by just a few countries; there was at least a 20% decrease in 11 countries and more than a 30% decrease in 5 countries. Fourteen countries had their lowest fossil fuel use for generating electricity on record. Much of this was obtained by using less coal. Coal for this purpose was decreased by 23%. In June the Netherlands used coal for only five days!

It wasn’t all great news for everybody. Some of this was due to high energy prices, emergency measures over the winter, and decreased availability of natural gas from Russia. Clearly there are always questions of environmental social justice (is everyone covered sufficiently?).

Overall, it is an important step in the right direction.