EU Renewable Energy Supply Increases by 3.4% in 2024, Reports Eurostat

In a significant development for the European Union's energy landscape, preliminary data released by Eurostat indicates that the supply of renewable energy grew by 3.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, amounting to approximately 11.3 million terajoules (TJ). This growth occurs against a backdrop of declining coal supply, which saw brown coal decrease by 10% and hard coal by 13.8%, marking the lowest figures since the inception of the data series in 1990.

According to Eurostat’s release on July 2, 2025, the increase in renewable energy supply is a continuation of the EU's long-term strategy to prioritize sustainable energy sources. The data shows that renewables now constitute 47.3% of the total electricity production in the EU, generating 1.31 million Gigawatt-hours (GWh), an increase of 7.7% from 2023. In contrast, fossil fuel-based electricity generation fell by 7.2%, contributing only 0.81 million GWh or 29.2% of total production. Nuclear energy maintained a stable output, producing 0.65 million GWh, which reflects a 4.8% growth compared to the previous year.

The implications of these figures are profound. Dr. Lisa Thompson, an energy policy expert at the University of London, emphasizes that "the growth in renewables is not just a statistic; it represents a pivotal shift in how Europe approaches energy security and climate change. The decline in coal usage underscores a broader trend towards decarbonization."

Despite the positive trend in renewable energy, the report highlights a modest increase of only 0.3% in natural gas supply, reaching 12.8 million TJ, following a sharp decline in 2023. Additionally, oil and petroleum products saw a decrease of 1.2%, totaling 454,038 thousand tonnes. This shift signals the EU's ongoing challenge of transitioning away from fossil fuels while balancing energy demands.

Historically, the EU has made substantial investments in renewable technologies, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, as outlined in the European Green Deal. However, the transition has not been without its hurdles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand is expected to rise, potentially complicating the EU's ambitious goals.

Furthermore, industry leaders are expressing cautious optimism. Mark Reynolds, CEO of GreenFuture Energy, stated, "While we celebrate this growth in renewables, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to enhance grid infrastructure and storage solutions to accommodate this influx of clean energy."

The implications of these findings extend beyond just energy supply. The shift towards renewable energy is expected to have significant economic impacts, including job creation in green technologies and potential reductions in energy prices as renewable sources become more prevalent. However, experts caution that without adequate planning and investment in infrastructure, the full benefits of this transition may not be realized.

Looking ahead, the European Union faces a critical juncture. As it strives for energy independence and sustainability, stakeholders must collaborate to ensure that the transition to renewable energy not only meets current demands but also sets a foundation for a resilient energy future. The upcoming years will be pivotal in determining how effectively the EU can navigate these challenges while fulfilling its commitments to climate goals.

In conclusion, the 3.4% growth in renewable energy supply in 2024 marks a significant milestone in the EU's energy transition journey. As the region continues to pivot towards sustainable energy sources, ongoing monitoring and strategic planning will be essential to harness the full potential of renewables and secure a sustainable future for European energy.