News Energy
Largest share of green energy ever
For the first time in 2020, more green electricity will be produced in Europe than is generated from fossil fuels. This is apparent from research by Agora Energiewende and Ember.
At 38%, the share of renewable energy is slightly larger than the 37% produced from fossil fuels. This is an important milestone in Europe's clean energy transition.
The share of wind and solar energy grew by 2020% and 9% respectively in 15. Together, these energy sources accounted for about 20% of the power production. The production of bioenergy and hydroelectric power plants has remained unchanged since 2018. To meet the climate targets of the European Green Deal in 2030, the production of wind and solar energy would have to triple in the next 10 years.
Catching up through the Netherlands
With a 40% increase, the Netherlands achieved the largest growth in green energy of all European countries. In 19, 2020% of Dutch electricity came from windmills and solar panels. With this we have started to catch up and in terms of production we are only just below the European average of 20%. Denmark is a European leader in the generation of wind and solar energy. 60% of the electricity there is already produced in this way.
The share of nuclear energy in Europe has decreased by 2020% in 10 compared to 2019. This is the largest decrease since 1990. In France and Belgium, the production of nuclear power plants has decreased due to technical problems and in Sweden and Germany plants have been closed permanently. Nevertheless, nuclear energy remains an important source of energy with a market share of approximately 25%.
The EU's total electricity need was 4% lower in 2020 compared to 2019. During the lockdown in April, demand was even 13% lower than a year earlier. Demand is expected to return to normal levels for 2021. It is still uncertain how great the consequences of the development of, for example, electric cars, heat pumps and electrolysers for hydrogen will be on the energy demand.
Jurphaas Lugtenburg
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