In 2025, the European Union sees a significant proportion of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. More than half, approximately 72%, is generated from clean energy, with nuclear power accounting for nearly a quarter of the total at around 23%. Wind and hydropower contribute substantially as well, each generating about 18% and 13% respectively, followed closely by solar energy at almost 13%. In contrast, fossil fuels still play a notable role in the EU's electricity mix, comprising roughly 28% of generation. Natural gas remains the most utilized fossil fuel source for electricity, making up about 16%, while coal and oil contribute 10% and just over 1% respectively. Biofuels, often considered low-carbon but controversial, account for nearly 5% of the electricity mix.
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Is Electricity Growing in EU?
The current state of electricity consumption in the EU presents a challenging picture regarding growth. The latest consumption figure stands at 5773 kWh per person, reflecting a decrease from the previous high in 2008, when it was 6868 kWh per person. This reduction indicates a decline in electricity use by approximately 16% since that peak. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a worrisome decline, currently at 4146 kWh per person, which is a slight drop from the 2024 record of 4200 kWh per person. This downward trend highlights that while the share of low-carbon electricity remains significant, the overall growth in its consumption and production is stagnating, which is concerning in the face of increasing electrification needs.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the EU can focus on expanding its existing capacities in nuclear, wind, and solar energy. Learning from successful regions could provide strategic advantages. For example, France and Slovakia boast impressive nuclear generation rates of 68% and 67%, respectively, illustrating the potential for nuclear energy expansion in the EU. Regarding wind energy, countries like Denmark, with 55% of its electricity from wind, showcase the feasibility of significant investments in wind power. On the solar front, regions like Nevada in the US, generating 33% of its electricity from solar, provide a model for growth in this sector, as does Lebanon with solar generation at 31%. By adapting similar strategies and technology, the EU has the potential to significantly improve its low-carbon electricity generation.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in the EU reveals periods of remarkable growth and unfortunate declines. In the early 1980s, nuclear energy surged with increases such as 80 TWh in 1981 and over 110 TWh in 1985, showcasing a substantial expansion phase. Moving forward, however, the EU has faced challenges, particularly with declining hydropower post-2000 and several significant reductions in nuclear output, notably a decrease by about 118 TWh in 2020 and again in 2022. More positively, wind power has seen boosts, such as a growth of nearly 46 TWh in 2019 and 58 TWh by 2023, reflecting the potential for recovery and growth. Despite these ups and downs, strengthening nuclear and solar power capacities offers a promising path to safeguard the region's low-carbon electricity future.
