from Global Electricity Review 2023 Wind and solar power will reach a record 12% share of global electricity generation by 2022, with solar generation increasing by 24% and wind generation by 17%. Clean sources of electricity, including renewables and nuclear, now account for 39% of global electricity. European countries are leaders in the use of wind and solar energy.
European countries are leading the renewable energy revolution
Germany, the UK and Spain are leading the way in introducing renewable energy in Europe. Germany has the largest installed wind and solar energy capacity, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom. These countries are investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, paving the way for a greener energy future. France, Italy and Poland have also seen significant growth in renewable energy production and significant progress in meeting their climate and energy targets.
Iceland leads Europe in renewable energy use, with 89% of its total energy supply coming from renewable sources, mainly geothermal. Norway gets 49% of its energy from renewable energy sources, mainly hydropower. Other European countries such as Albania, Latvia, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are also making significant progress in using renewable energy, focusing on a variety of sources such as water, biofuels, waste, wind and sunlight.
Here’s a look at current energy production across Europe:
Effect of wind and solar energy on global emissions
Growth in wind and solar power generation will represent a peak in electricity emissions in 2022, while clean energy is expected to meet all demand growth in 2023, according to the Ember report. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), wind and solar power should account for 41% of the global energy mix by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, and 12% by 2022. This transition is important for clean energy sources. Emphasizes the ongoing fight against climate change and the importance of continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Despite record growth in wind and solar energy, coal remains the largest source of electricity globally, generating 36% of global electricity by 2022. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, stresses the need to harness wind and solar energy. “More needs to be done to ensure that developing countries are not left behind and locked into a high-carbon future”.
A promising future for renewable energy in Europe
As European countries continue to introduce renewable energy, the possibilities for a greener future are increasingly emerging. Investment in renewable energy projects, supportive government policies and public awareness have contributed to significant growth in wind and solar power generation across the continent.
