[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2023\/10\/24\/renewables-are-soaring-and-emissions-have-dropped-but-now-isnt-the-time-for-complacency-eu” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]The State of the Energy Union report is released annually by the European Commission.<\/p>\n
Solar and offshore wind are soaring in Europe and the EU is on track to quit Russian fossil fuels. The good news was shared in the European Commission\u2019s annual State of the Energy Union report, published today.<\/p>\n
The report looked at energy across the bloc in the last 12 months and found that it was a record year for solar with 60 per cent more new energy-generating capacity. New onshore and offshore wind capacity was also 45 per cent higher than in 2021.<\/p>\n
The Commission says it used the energy crisis following Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine to \u201caccelerate the clean energy transition\u201d, working towards making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.Imports of Russian gas also fell to 40-45 billion cubic metres this year, compared with 155 bcm in 2021.<\/p>\n
One of Europe’s most polluted cities wants to ban cars from its centre
\n‘Unstoppable’ shift to clean energy will see demand for fossil fuels peak before 2030, IEA says
\nRenewables are increasing – but not fast enough
\nOverall, the EU\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions decreased by around 3 per cent in 2022 – a total reduction of 32.5 per cent compared to what they were in 1990. The aim is to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030.<\/p>\n
In May this year, the EU produced more electricity from wind and solar than fossil fuels for the first time ever, the Commission says.<\/p>\n
Spain, Portugal and Belgium were just a few of the countries which broke renewables records in 2023 – despite drought-driven dips in hydropower production. New solar power helped push Portugal above the 50 per cent mark in May.<\/p>\n
A recent study from energy think tank Ember found that fossil fuel energy generation hit a record low in the EU during the first half of 2023. In 2022, the Commission\u2019s report says overall 39 per cent of the bloc\u2019s energy was generated by renewables.<\/p>\n
But, having navigated the worst effects of the energy crisis, now isn\u2019t the time for complacency, the Commission adds.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnergy markets remain vulnerable, fossil fuel subsidies have increased during the crisis, inflation is still high, our critical infrastructure needs to be protected, including from sabotages,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
In the past year, legislative targets were agreed for a minimum share of 42.5 per cent renewable energy in the EU by 2030 with the ambition to reach 45 per cent. <\/p>\n
Energy efficiency targets were also increased including reducing final energy consumption by 11.7 per cent by 2030.<\/p>\n
The Commission warns, however, that EU countries aren\u2019t expanding renewable energy fast enough to reach the legally binding target of 42.5 per cent by 2030.<\/p>\n
Alongside the release of the report, it published a plan to support Europe\u2019s wind energy industry which is struggling with high inflation and increasing competition from companies in China.<\/p>\n
\u2018We pray for our opponents\u2019: Nuns respond after video of green activist being tackled goes viral
\nOily Money Out: Greta Thunberg charged following arrest at London oil conference protest
\n2030 is a first reality-check for climate action, NGOs say
\nA coalition of NGOs has also raised concerns over member states\u2019 National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs).<\/p>\n
A separate, independent report from the Climate Action Network (CAN) found that several countries are not meeting the minimum EU climate and energy requirements for 2030.<\/p>\n
Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands were among those member states failing to meet set EU targets and contribute their national share of emissions-cutting. CAN says numerous others have not outlined sufficient national commitments for energy efficiency either.While there is progress in some areas – like the uptake of rooftop solar panels – the independent assessment highlights a \u201cglaring contrast between the urgent demand for accelerated climate action and the sluggish on-ground progress\u201d according to CAN Europe\u2019s director Chiara Martinelli.<\/p>\n
With national energy and climate plans being updated for the first time since 2019, many countries are behind schedule.<\/p>\n
2030 is a first reality-check for climate action and failure to meet this milestone will severely hamper future efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
\n Federico Mascolo
\nCAN Europe\u2019s policy expert
\n\u201cWhile this assessment exposes the inadequacy of the national climate and energy plans with the needed level of climate action, countries still have eight more months to set things right and prevent a lost decade,\u201d says CAN Europe\u2019s policy expert, Federico Mascolo.<\/p>\n
\u201c2030 is a first reality-check for climate action and failure to meet this milestone will severely hamper future efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
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