Renewable energy has overtaken fossil fuels as the primary energy source for the first time in the European Union. A new report from the European Commission states that renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy, as well as biomass and hydroelectric power stations, accounted for 38 percent of electricity generated in the EU last year. Fossil fuels accounted for 37 percent.
The European Commission announced on Tuesday, October 26 State of the Energy Union reports for 2021 takes stock of the EU's progress in the clean energy transition, almost two years after the start of the European Green Deal. Despite some encouraging trends, further efforts will be needed to meet the 2030 target of reducing net emissions by at least 55% and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Based on the data, it will be necessary to carefully examine the long-term trends after the corona pandemic next year.
The report shows that in 2020, 38% of electricity in the EU was generated from renewable energy sources, 1% more than from fossil fuels, which have been the main source of energy to date. Nine EU Member States have already phased out coal, 13 others have set a phase-out date and four are considering possible timescales. Compared to 2019, greenhouse gas emissions in the EU27 fell by almost 2020% in 10, an unprecedented drop due to the corona pandemic, bringing emissions down by a total of 1990% since 31.
Primary energy consumption fell by 1,9% last year and final energy consumption by 0,6%. However, both figures are above the trajectory needed to meet the EU's 2020 and 2030 targets, and more efforts are needed to address this issue at Member State and EU level. Fossil fuel subsidies fell slightly in 2020 due to lower energy consumption in general. Renewable energy and energy efficiency subsidies both increased in 2020.
This year's report is also published against the backdrop of a sharp increase in energy prices in Europe and the rest of the world, largely driven by rising gas prices. Although this situation is expected to be temporary, it highlights the EU's dependence on energy imports, which has reached its highest level in 30 years, and the importance of the clean energy transition to ensure the EU's energy security enlarge. According to the latest data, up to 31 million people in the EU are affected by energy poverty. This issue will remain high on the agenda in light of the economic challenges of the corona pandemic and the current price situation. That is why the Commission placed a strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable consumers in its recent communication on energy prices.
The State of the Energy Union Report analyzes the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on energy and climate policies over the past year and explains the significant legislative progress made towards decarbonising the European economy. The report also highlights political efforts to ensure that our post-pandemic recovery programs reflect our climate and energy goals more than ever.
