Pollution from fossil fuel power plants in the European Union fell by a record level last year, a new report shows. Energy think tank Ember crunched the numbers and called it an "unprecedented collapse in coal and gas generation." Renewable energy is finally starting to take over the grid.
Electricity generation from fossil fuels has fallen to its lowest point since reliable records began in 1990, accounting for less than a third of EU electricity generation in 2023. Carbon-free electricity generation, including renewables and nuclear power, accounts for more than two-thirds of the power mix and is double that of fossil fuel generation.
"There is an unprecedented collapse in coal and gas generation, and it is encouraging to see that the structural decline in fossil fuels continues," said Sarah Brown, Ember's European program director. Although records began in 1990, she said: "We think this is the lowest point ever because fossil fuels were the overwhelming majority before that and nothing else could replace it."
In 2023, coal power generation will see the largest decline, down 26% from the previous year. Natural gas power plants produced 15% less electricity last year, the largest annual decline in at least decades. All in all, this represents a significant 19% reduction in both fossil fuel power generation and earth heating CO2 emissions. Pollution from the power sector has fallen more sharply than it did in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic shut down business and travel.
Coal-fired power generation in the EU, which had already begun to decline before Russia invaded Ukraine, made a comeback after the incident as countries began to wean themselves off supplies of Russian gas. Now it seems that this resurgence is just a short-lived trend. Coal-fired power generation in the EU is only half what it was in 2016 and is expected to be phased out completely.
Renewable energy currently accounts for 44% of the EU’s electricity mix, by far the highest proportion. In 2023, wind energy generation in particular soared, accounting for 18% of total electricity generation, equivalent to France's entire electricity demand, and surpassing natural gas generation for the first time. Solar power generation increased to 9% of total power generation, while hydropower generation also recovered from the dry season in 2022.
Energy efficiency is often the unsung hero in this story. Electricity demand actually fell by 3.4% in 2023, thanks in part to efficiency gains. Looking ahead, vehicle and home electrification are expected to drive demand again. It is therefore important to prioritize energy efficiency and bring more solar and wind farms online.
There is still much work to be done. The report said that wind power generation will grow by 13% in 2023, but to meet the EU's clean energy goals, wind power generation will need to grow by 15% each year during this decade.
The European Union has committed to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. On February 6, the European Commission recommended reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2040 compared with 1990.