- Wind power surpassed gas plants in Europe in 2023, marking a milestone in renewable energy adoption.
- Fossil fuel power generation in Europe dropped by a record 19% in 2023, with significant declines in both gas and coal electricity production.
In a landmark development, wind power surpassed gas plants in Europe last year as fossil fuel electricity generation plunged, cutting the region’s carbon emissions, Ember’s data showed. Europe is boosting its renewable electricity generation to reduce dependence on Russian fuels and meet its net zero emissions goal by 2050.
According to Ember, fossil fuel power generation in Europe dropped by a record 19% in 2023, with gas-fired electricity production down 15% and coal electricity production down 26%. Wind power grew by 13%, making up 18% of Europe’s electricity mix.
Dave Jones, Ember’s global insights lead, stated that Europe is phasing out coal, with gas generation declining for four consecutive years. The report showed that the shift to renewables and nuclear energy led to a 19% drop in carbon emissions from the power sector. Jones stressed the need for renewables to meet increasing demand to achieve necessary emissions cuts.