For the first time, wind and solar energy surpassed gas in the EU in 2022

Almost a quarter (22%) of all electricity consumed in the EU was generated by these two clean energy sources, much more than energy generated by coal (16%) and “for the first time” that from gas (20% )According to European Electricity Review (🇬🇧), publication of the Emberg center.

“Europe avoided the worst of the energy crisis”, assessed Dave Jones, in charge of data analysis at Ember, cited in a note.

The energy crisis, caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “only caused a slight increase in coal energy and, on the contrary, generated enormous support for renewable energy”, the text added.

“The fear of a rebound in coal is ruled out,” said the analyst.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the progressive closure of Russian gas pipelines, Europe had to massively import liquefied natural gas, transported on ships, and return to using coal plants. Wind and solar sources made it possible to avoid greater use of coal, according to analysts.

Electricity production from coal increased by 7% between 2021 and 2022, but the use of coal plants actually declined in the last four months of the year.

The sharp drop in electricity demand in Europe in the last quarter of the year (-7,9%), compared to last year, also helped to leave coal behind.

(With AFP)

Read also