Ember: More electricity was generated from renewables than from fossil fuels in the EU

For the first time, more electricity was generated from renewables than from fossil fuels in the European Union during the winter, despite the crisis conditions. This was due to falling electricity demand, high fossil fuel prices and a mild winter. A new analysis by energy think tank Ember reports on this historic milestone. A significant seven-percent drop in demand led to a 12-percent fall in fossil fuel generation compared with the previous winter. Renewables generated 40 percent of the EU’s electricity during the winter period (October 2022 to March 2023), while fossil fuels accounted for just 37 percent. Electricity consumption also declined in the Czech Republic. The reduction in electricity demand across the EU saved 12 billion euros (CZK 282 billion) over the winter.

„Europe faced a critical winter, with record energy costs and concerns about supplies triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU got through the difficult months, but it cannot rely on emergency demand reductions and mild weather in the future,“ said Ember analyst Chris Rosslowe.