Recently, the European Environment Agency published the document entitled Renewable energy in Europe 2017. Recent growth and knock-on effects , which records the remarkable progress achieved in the field of renewable energy in the European Union in 2014. This report sheds light on how the increase in renewables has contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels, also comparing the evolution of renewables in other regions of the world.
The advancement of renewable energies in Europe
In recent years, renewable energy has played a central role in the European political and economic agenda. Currently, the EU has defined ambitious targets for 2030 in its European Green Deal, which aim to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels. This pact also calls for achieving a 42.5% share of renewables in the region's energy mix.
Furthermore, the invasion of Ukraine and the disruption of Russian gas supplies have accelerated the transition to renewable energy across Europe, highlighting the urgent need for energy security independent of fossil fuels. Within this context, the REPowerEU plan aims to reduce dependence on Russian gas and accelerate electrification through clean energy sources.
Leading countries in renewable energy
Europe shows significant differences between countries in terms of renewable energy use. Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland stand out with renewable energy sharing exceeding 40% of their energy mix, with Sweden leading the group at 60%. Other countries such as Estonia, Latvia , and Denmark also excel in integrating renewable energy.
However, countries like Malta, Luxembourg, and Ireland still have a long way to go, as they have very low renewable energy penetration rates (around 10-15%). Nevertheless, growth has been steady, driven by proactive policies that encourage the adoption of clean technologies.
Growth of renewable energy by sector
Thermal utilization
Thermal energy is one of the main uses of renewable energy in Europe. In regions like France, Poland, and Finland , more than 50% of renewable energy consumption is used for heating. Biomass continues to dominate this sector, although the use of new technologies such as biogas and geothermal heat pumps is booming.
The strong growth observed in the consumption of renewable energy for thermal purposes responds to the need to make the most of available resources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to decarbonisation objectives.
Wind and solar photovoltaic energy
Electricity generated from renewable sources continues to gain ground in Europe. In 2021, 22% of the electricity consumed in the EU came from clean sources, with significant progress in fields such as onshore and offshore wind power and solar photovoltaics.
The UK and Spain are leading the way in offshore wind energy projects, while Germany has redoubled its efforts to improve its photovoltaic capacity. France , meanwhile, continues to rely on hydropower as a key source of renewable electricity.
Biofuels and electric mobility
In the transport sector , biofuels account for nearly 90% of renewable energy. As new technologies develop, both biofuels and electric mobility are gaining ground. The REPowerEU plan aims to significantly increase the penetration of electric vehicles, which are essential for decarbonizing urban and interurban transport.
Furthermore, the growth in biofuel production will also make it possible to cover critical sectors such as aviation and maritime transport , where direct electrification still faces major challenges.
Investments in renewable energies
Investments in renewable energy have increased sharply over the last decade, both globally and in Europe. China, India, and Brazil lead global investment, but Europe has also made significant progress. China has quadrupled its installed renewable energy capacity, while Spain stands out with projects such as the Guillena Super Solar Park in Seville, with a capacity of 110,4 MW.
Growth in energy storage projects is vital to ensuring a stable electricity grid, capable of absorbing and distributing surplus renewable energy production during peak generation periods. Initiatives such as the European Green Deal and financial support from the European Investment Bank are consolidating this growth.
The EU's ultimate goal is to achieve a decarbonized energy landscape by 2050, an ambitious challenge that requires both financial support and the development of new technologies and cooperation among all actors involved in the energy sector.
The European Union's commitment to decarbonisation is clear, and with the right investments and policies that promote innovation and collaboration, the continent is well on its way to achieving a cleaner and safer future.