As we examine the state of electricity consumption in the EU for the year 2025, it's noteworthy that low-carbon energy sources have emerged as the dominant force, generating just over 72% of the electricity. Specifically, nuclear energy accounts for close to a quarter of the total electricity, while wind and hydropower contribute almost a third combined. Solar power also plays a crucial role, providing about 12% of the electricity. On the other hand, fossil fuels, though still significant at over 26%, show a declining trend, with gas being the most utilized fossil fuel source by generating around 16%. Coal hovers just slightly above 10%, marking a clear shift toward cleaner energy sources.
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Is Electricity Growing in EU?
Looking at the broader picture of electricity consumption in the EU, there appears to have been a decline. In 2025, the electricity consumption per person stood at 5618 kWh, which marks a significant decrease from the record 6868 kWh per person in 2008. Furthermore, the latest data also indicates a drop in low-carbon electricity generation, which stood at 4045 kWh per person in 2025, down from the 2024 record of 4200 kWh per person. This decline suggests that there is an urgent need to reverse this trend and cater to the growing demand for electricity driven by societal advancements like electrification and AI.
Suggestions
In order to boost low-carbon electricity generation, the EU should consider expanding existing nuclear, wind, and solar infrastructures. Drawing inspiration from success stories across various regions can provide valuable insights. For instance, France sets a benchmark in utilizing nuclear energy, generating 70% of its electricity from it, which could be a model for EU expansion. Similarly, Iowa and Denmark excel in wind power, with production figures at 60% and 59%, respectively, offering lessons in scaling this technology. In terms of solar, regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar power forms a substantial part of the electricity mix, can provide blueprints for increased solar adoption in the EU.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the EU reveals a series of varied developments over the decades. In the early 1980s, the expansion of nuclear energy was substantial, highlighted by gains such as 80.1 TWh in 1981 and a peak of 110.9 TWh in 1985. However, the subsequent years saw a patchwork of increases and decline, particularly concerning with significant reductions around 2009 and the early 2020s. On the other hand, the wind and solar sectors have shown promising growth in recent years, with notable increases in wind generation in 2019 and 2023, and solar making significant strides in 2024. Moving forward, further investment in sustainable and clean energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar is essential to ensure a robust and consistent supply of low-carbon electricity in the EU.
