In Europe, the cleanest electricity ever: in the first half of the year, renewables broke a new record, covering over 50% of demand. If we add nuclear, which contributed 24% of demand, fossil fuels covered only 26% of demand
Just to prove wrong those who think that fossil fuels still have a great future ahead: In Europe, in the first half of the year, renewables have run like never before. They covered just over 50 percent of the electricity demand, beating all previous records.
In the renewables record, wind power is the first source in Europe for energy production
If we add ourselves 24% of demand covered by nuclear power plantswe arrive at a total of 74% from low-carbon sources (compared to 68% in the same period a year ago. A figure that further narrows the gap the role of fossil fuels, reduced to representing only 26% of demand.
The data has just been published by Eurelectricthe European association of producers who explained what happened as follows: “The main reasons behind this extraordinary result were an unprecedented influx of renewable energy into the grid combined with the stabilization of the nuclear fleet“.
In essence, the increase in new wind and photovoltaic installations, connected with the development of other renewables (from biogas to the use of hydrogen, in addition to historical hydroelectricity) allows us to use less and less coal and keep only natural gas (in countries where there is no nuclear power) as a source that guarantees the stability of the grid.
Nuclear will be phased out as soon as storage systems are developed
But all this will happen until the market for storage systems and batteries also develops, which – based on what is already happening in America – It will also allow nuclear and natural gas to be driven out of the market as grid stabilizers.
Italy has also contributed to the new European record for clean energy. In May – according to data communicated by Terna – renewable sources covered over 52% of demand.
To return to Europe, Renewables produced 696 terawatt hours of electricity in 2024 (equal to 50.38%). Nuclear 325 TWh (23.51%), fossil fuels stopped at 361 TWh (26%).
