EU reduces fossil fuel use for electricity generation by 17%
The European Union reduced its use of fossil fuels for electricity generation by 17% in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year, according to a study by the clean energy group Ember, cited by The Guardian.
The 27 member states burned 17% less fossil fuels to generate electricity between January and June 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The decline was driven by a number of factors, including the rising cost of natural gas, the war in Ukraine, and increased investment in renewable energy.
"The EU is making progress in its transition to a clean energy future," said Ember's director, Dave Jones. "This is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change."
The study found that fossil fuel generation fell by more than 20% in 11 EU countries and by more than 30% in five countries.
In Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia, the burning of fossil fuels reached its lowest level in this century.
Ember's report also found that solar power generation increased by 13%, wind power generation increased by 5%, and hydropower generation increased by 11%.
Several countries broke records for their share of renewable energy, the report found. Greece and Romania surpassed 50% for the first time, and Denmark and Portugal exceeded 75%.
The study's findings come as the EU is under pressure to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels. After Russia invaded Ukraine last year, natural gas prices soared, and the EU introduced emergency measures to reduce demand.
