Wind and solar power main energy source in both EU and Belgium for first time

For the first time, wind and solar energy were the main source of electricity in the European Union and Belgium in the first six months of 2024, according to a new report by energy think tank Ember.

Wind and solar power accounted for 30 per cent of the generated electricity in the period from January to June 2024, compared to 27 per cent from fossil fuels. If hydropower plants are taken into account as well, all renewable energy sources together accounted for half of the EU's electricity production, which is another record. Including nuclear power, almost three-quarters - 73 per cent – of the electricity came from low-carbon energy sources.

The share of fossil fuels fell by 17 per cent to 27 per cent, the lowest ever. The sharpest decrease was noted for coal, at 24 per cent, but gas use also fell sharply, by 14 per cent. Five EU countries, including Belgium, accounted for three-quarters of that decline. In Belgium, fossil fuel use declined by 38 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The main reason for the decreased share of fossil fuels is the increased production capacity of wind and solar energy. In addition, mild weather conditions and a resurgence of hydropower plants also played their part.

Emissions from the energy sector were 31 per cent lower in the first half of 2024 than during the first half of 2022. This constitutes an unprecedented shift.

^{Wind turbines in the port of Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO IMAGEBROKER}