How solar power overtook coal in Europe for clean energy landmark
1 month, 3 weeks ago

How solar power overtook coal in Europe for clean energy landmark

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few thought the EU’s energy transition could be where it is today; wind and solar are pushing coal to the margins and forcing gas into structural decline.” Ember’s European Electricity Review, which was published on Thursday, analysed power supplies in all 27 EU countries to reveal that solar is growing in every single country, making up 11 per cent of the block’s electricity generation. “The EU is striding closer towards a clean energy future powered by homegrown wind and solar,” said Dr Beatrice Petrovich, a senior energy analyst at Ember. “This new energy system will reduce the bloc’s vulnerability to fossil price shocks, tackle the climate crisis and deliver affordable energy for its households and companies.” Despite the progress towards transitioning to clean energy sources, experts warned that the trend must continue to accelerate in order to reach climate targets, while the electrification of major industries like transport also needs to improve. We now need more flexibility to kick-in, making sure the energy system is adapting to new realities: more storage and more smart electrification in heating, transport and industries.” Ember’s report comes just three days after US President Donald Trump once again withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming and the worst impacts of climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Europe Wind Solar European Indytech Fossil Fossil Fuels Ember  transition  clean  power  energy  climate  solar  coal  landmark  wind  europe  fossil  electricity  eu  cent  sign  overtook

History of this topic

EU announces plan for cheaper energy and green industry
3 weeks, 4 days ago

EU announces plan for cheaper energy and green industry

Dutch News  

The European Commission has announced plans to reduce the cost of energy for consumers and businesses, and billions of investments to promote green industries and keep manufacturing in Europe. GroenLinks-PvdA MEP Mohammed Chahim welcomed the announcement, saying the EU urgently need short-term measures to protect both citizens and industries from high electricity prices, to ensure stable energy markets and prevent …

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pushes U.S. toward fossil fuels
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pushes U.S. toward fossil fuels

LA Times  

A record 47% of the European Union’s electricity now comes from solar and other renewables, a report this month said, in yet another sign of the growing gap between the bloc’s push for clean energy and the Trump administration’s pursuit of more fossil fuels. Green policies and war drive clean energy growth One reason for Europe’s clean power transition moving …

Europe sets clean energy record as solar overtakes coal for first time
2 months ago

Europe sets clean energy record as solar overtakes coal for first time

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few thought the EU’s energy transition could …

Sun Is Powering Europe's Clean Energy Transition — Generated More Electricity Than Coal Did In 2024, Ember Report Says
2 months ago

Sun Is Powering Europe's Clean Energy Transition — Generated More Electricity Than Coal Did In 2024, Ember Report Says

ABP News  

The Sun is shining bright on Europe. Solar is the rising star.” Why Solar Rose And Coal Fell Unlike the sharp declines in EU's power demand observed over the previous two years, 2024 saw a modest increase of 31 TWh. The Ember report finds that solar energy emerged as the fastest-growing power source in 2024, even though Europe got less …

Europe has a new ‘rising star’ and it's powered by the sun as earth’s black gold takes a backseat
2 months ago

Europe has a new ‘rising star’ and it's powered by the sun as earth’s black gold takes a backseat

Firstpost  

Europe achieved a significant milestone by generating more electricity from solar power than coal in 2024. This shift reflects the EU’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and stabilising climate through increased use of renewable sources like solar and wind energy Europe has a new ‘rising star’ and it's powered by the sun as earth’s black gold takes a backseat Reuters …

As Trump turns to fossil fuels, Europe sprints ahead with renewables
2 months ago

As Trump turns to fossil fuels, Europe sprints ahead with renewables

Al Jazeera  

Solar and wind power are replacing coal and gas in power generation, but experts warn of hurdles ahead. ‘US risks being left behind in the clean industrial revolution’ Europe has few resources of oil and gas and currently spends about half a trillion dollars a year importing fossil fuels. “The US risks being left behind in the clean industrial revolution.” …

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pulls US toward fossil fuels
2 months ago

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pulls US toward fossil fuels

Live Mint  

A record 47% of the European Union’s electricity now comes from solar and other renewables, a report Thursday said, in yet another sign of the growing gap between the bloc's push for clean energy and the new U.S. administration's pursuit of more fossil fuels. Green policies and war drive clean energy growth One reason for Europe's clean power transition moving …

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pulls US toward fossil fuels
Top News
2 months ago

Europe posts record year for clean energy use as Trump pulls US toward fossil fuels

Associated Press  

A record 47% of the European Union’s electricity now comes from solar and other renewables, a report Thursday said, in yet another sign of the growing gap between the bloc’s push for clean energy and the new U.S. administration’s pursuit of more fossil fuels. Green policies and war drive clean energy growth One reason for Europe’s clean power transition moving …

Key solar themes to track after torrid 2024 for investors: Maguire
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Key solar themes to track after torrid 2024 for investors: Maguire

Live Mint  

By Gavin Maguire LITTLETON, Colorado, Jan 7 - Solar electricity generation posted its largest ever annual rise globally in 2024, yet many investors in the solar sector are nursing heavy losses after share prices in major solar firms and exchange-traded funds collapsed. Going forward, renewables remain at the heart of planned expansions in electricity output worldwide, and solar systems are …

Green electricity costs a bundle
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Green electricity costs a bundle

Live Mint  

As nations use more and more supposedly cheap solar and wind power, a strange thing happens: Our power bills get more expensive. The International Energy Agency’s latest data on solar and wind power generation costs and consumption across nearly 70 countries shows a clear correlation between more solar and wind and higher average household and industry energy prices. At least …

Renewable power set to overtake fossil fuels in the UK this year for the first time
3 months, 1 week ago

Renewable power set to overtake fossil fuels in the UK this year for the first time

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Renewable electricity production will surpass …

As 142 years of coal comes to an end, how close is the UK to 100% clean energy?
5 months, 2 weeks ago

As 142 years of coal comes to an end, how close is the UK to 100% clean energy?

The Independent  

When Scottish inventor James Watt came up with a new steam engine design in 1765 that required 75 per cent less coal to operate than its predecessor, many people logically presumed that coal consumption would plummet. By 1882, the world’s first coal power plant opened in London to launch a new era of electricity generation that continues to see coal …

Mapped: The greenest countries in Europe
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Mapped: The greenest countries in Europe

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Earlier this year, wind and solar power overtook fossil fuel-generated power for the first time in Europe, …

EU transition to renewables hastens
7 months, 3 weeks ago

EU transition to renewables hastens

China Daily  

Solar panels of Germany's largest solar park Weesow-Willmersdorf by energy supplier EnBW AG are seen in Werneuchen, Germany, Sept 21, 2023. The breakthrough was calculated by the United Kingdom-based independent energy think tank Ember, which said in a report released this week that electricity from wind and solar sources contributed 30 percent of the EU's electricity needs during the first …

Tripling clean electricity by 2030 achievable: International Energy Agency
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Tripling clean electricity by 2030 achievable: International Energy Agency

Al Jazeera  

The IEA says countries’ domestic ambitions achieve 70 percent of the goal, but experts warn commitments are hard to achieve. A global goal to triple the production of electricity from clean sources such as solar and wind power by 2030 is “ambitious but achievable”, says the world’s leading independent energy analyst. “Meeting the new target will demand more than doubling …

The world just passed a major clean energy milestone
10 months, 2 weeks ago

The world just passed a major clean energy milestone

CNN  

CNN — The world has passed a clean energy milestone, as a boom in wind and solar meant a record-breaking 30% of the world’s electricity was produced by renewables last year, new data shows. The planet is reaching “a crucial turning point” toward clean energy, according to the Global Electricity Review published Wednesday by climate think tank Ember. It’s a …

Clean energy on the cusp of rolling back fossil fuels: Report
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Clean energy on the cusp of rolling back fossil fuels: Report

Al Jazeera  

Experts say the world’s solar and wind investments have reached a tipping point in electricity supply – spelling doom for coal and gas. “The buildout in solar generation only really happened towards the end of the year and it will only be in 2024 that we’ll see the full force of that buildout reflected in generation.” In addition to the …

Renewable energy overtakes gas in the UK, analysis shows
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Renewable energy overtakes gas in the UK, analysis shows

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Renewable energy sources generated more electricity than gas in the UK this winter, …

Can Europe’s power grid cope with the green transition?
1 year, 1 month ago

Can Europe’s power grid cope with the green transition?

Live Mint  

“More Energiewende, more business for us,” says Leonhard Birnbaum, chief executive of E.ON, a German power-grid operator that enjoys a near monopoly in Europe’s biggest economy. “The limits of infrastructure are the biggest obstacle of Europe’s green transition,” says Mr Birnbaum. “The challenges of the energy transition make Mr Birnbaum one of Germany’s most political chief executives, along with Markus …

Ecostani | Why EU’s carbon tax puts a spanner in climate change mitigation
1 year, 2 months ago

Ecostani | Why EU’s carbon tax puts a spanner in climate change mitigation

Hindustan Times  

India is likely to take the European Union to the World Trade Organisation over its proposed “restrictive” carbon tax on imports for six emission-intensive sectors on grounds that it is an “ill-conceived” idea, and has threatened to impose its own carbon tax on imports from the EU. In October 2023, the EU proposed a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, under which …

Significant renewable energy gains in 2023 put global goal within reach
1 year, 2 months ago

Significant renewable energy gains in 2023 put global goal within reach

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The world added 50 per cent more renewable energy in 2023 than 2022 – putting …

In Europe, wind power now generates more electricity than coal
1 year, 2 months ago

In Europe, wind power now generates more electricity than coal

Firstpost  

Europe’s power producers generated more electricity from wind than from coal for the first time in the last quarter of 2023, marking a key milestone for regional energy transition efforts. New policy support agreed by European lawmakers in late 2023, including financing for turbine manufacturers and shorter permitting times for developers, should help further boost regional wind generation in 2024, …

EU lawmakers approve a deal to raise renewable energy target to 42.5% of total consumption by 2030
1 year, 6 months ago

EU lawmakers approve a deal to raise renewable energy target to 42.5% of total consumption by 2030

Associated Press  

STRASBOURG, France — European Union lawmakers endorsed a deal Tuesday to raise the share of renewables in the bloc’s energy mix, another step to accelerate its green transition away from fossil fuels. The bill, adopted by a large majority — 470 lawmakers voted in favor, 120 against and 40 abstained — foresees an updated renewable energy target of 42.5% of …

Solar investment outshines oil as race for clean energy heats up
1 year, 9 months ago

Solar investment outshines oil as race for clean energy heats up

Al Jazeera  

High oil and gas prices and worries about supplies have seen spending on renewables leap ahead of fossil fuels. Investment in solar power is expected to overtake oil for the first time this year as clean energy spending outpaces that for fossil fuels. “Clean energy is moving fast – faster than many people realise,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said …

European leaders commit to more wind energy production
1 year, 10 months ago

European leaders commit to more wind energy production

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — A group of Western European nations led by Germany and France on Monday committed to massively ramp up the production of clean energy from wind turbines in the North Sea, to both meet climate targets and reduce their strategic energy dependence on Russia. “We’ve seen over the past months what the impact is if you are too dependent …

Renewable energy record signals ‘end to the fossil age’
1 year, 11 months ago

Renewable energy record signals ‘end to the fossil age’

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Figures from UK-based energy think tank Ember, published on Wednesday, found that wind and solar supplied a …

EU reaches deal on more ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030
1 year, 11 months ago

EU reaches deal on more ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030

The Hindu  

European Union negotiators struck a political deal on Thursday on more ambitious targets to expand the use of renewable energy by 2030, an important pillar of the bloc's plans to fight climate change and end the use of Russian fossil fuels. Sweden leads the 27 EU countries with its 63% renewable energy share, while in Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands and …

World’s most promising anti-greenwashing tool scuttled
2 years ago

World’s most promising anti-greenwashing tool scuttled

Al Jazeera  

One year ago, hopes were high for what was considered to be the most important environmental legislation in Europe. But a long-delayed decision was made by the European Commission that ultimately included nuclear power and gas as “environmentally sustainable economic activities”. Their argument is that the “sustainable” label given to nuclear energy and natural gas breaches the EU’s climate commitments, …

Renewable energy set to overtake coal as largest source of power globally
2 years, 3 months ago

Renewable energy set to overtake coal as largest source of power globally

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Renewable energy is set to overtake coal as the largest source of power …

Renewable energy to overtake coal in US for first ever time this year
2 years, 4 months ago

Renewable energy to overtake coal in US for first ever time this year

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Renewable energy sources like solar and wind will generate more power than coal or nuclear …

Is Ukraine war speeding Europe’s transition to renewable energy?
2 years, 4 months ago

Is Ukraine war speeding Europe’s transition to renewable energy?

Al Jazeera  

Shortages are leading to a policy pivot towards a cleaner energy future, but some see a lack of cash to sustain investment. Renewable energy production in Europe reached record levels following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading some energy analysts to predict that Europe is poised to surge forward in creating clean energy. “This can be a historic turning point towards …

Amid an energy crisis, Germany turns to the world's dirtiest fossil fuel
2 years, 5 months ago

Amid an energy crisis, Germany turns to the world's dirtiest fossil fuel

NPR  

Amid an energy crisis, Germany turns to the world's dirtiest fossil fuel Enlarge this image toggle caption Rob Schmitz/NPR Rob Schmitz/NPR DORTMUND, Germany — Power Plant Manager Bernard Vendt stands on a platform jutting out from a smokestack, 20 stories above his company's chemical park. The coal's destination lies underneath Vendt in a massive furnace whose heat will spin turbines …

European summer brought record heat, solar power to the continent
2 years, 6 months ago

European summer brought record heat, solar power to the continent

Al Jazeera  

Long periods of sunshine caused sweltering conditions and droughts throughout much of the continent. Europe smashed previous temperature records during its summer, with long periods of sunshine causing sweltering conditions and droughts across much of the continent but also helping boost much-needed solar power, according to data published on Thursday. Separately, energy think-tank Ember said the European Union set a …

European Union to unveil new responses to energy crisis
2 years, 6 months ago

European Union to unveil new responses to energy crisis

The Hindu  

The European Union's next steps for addressing the continent's worsening energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine are expected to be unveiled next week, the European commissioner for energy said on September 6. Russia's state-run energy company has continued its shutdown of a pipeline carrying natural gas to Europe, in what German officials see as a political power play, and …

Infographic: How much of Europe’s energy comes from gas?
2 years, 6 months ago

Infographic: How much of Europe’s energy comes from gas?

Al Jazeera  

In 2021, one-third of Europe’s energy – used for generating electricity, transport and heating – came from burning gas. Energy prices have hit new highs across Europe this week after Russia announced that gas flows to Europe would not resume until sanctions are lifted. In 2021, Russia, Germany, the UK, Italy and France consumed three-quarters of the continent’s 10,073 terrawatt …

European power prices shatter records as energy crisis intensifies
2 years, 6 months ago

European power prices shatter records as energy crisis intensifies

CNN  

London CNN Business — Power prices in Europe continue to smash records, intensifying the region’s energy crisis and fanning fears about access to electricity and heating as the weather begins to cool. German power prices for next year, which are considered Europe’s benchmark, briefly jumped above €1,000 per megawatt hour on Monday before falling back to €840 per megawatt hour. …

EU leaders reach compromise on energy after long debate
2 years, 11 months ago

EU leaders reach compromise on energy after long debate

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders struggled for hours Friday to find a compromise on a deal aimed at curbing energy prices that have gone through the roof and hurt households and businesses across the 27-nation bloc. Leaders, however, did agree on a proposal from the European Commission to move toward the joint purchase of natural gas and ensuring that the …

EU wants to allow natural gas, nuclear in green investment
3 years, 1 month ago

EU wants to allow natural gas, nuclear in green investment

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday proposed including nuclear energy and natural gas in its plans for building a climate-friendly future, dividing member countries and drawing outcry from environmentalists as “greenwashing.” The green labeling system from the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, defines what qualifies as an investment in sustainable energy in the 27-nation bloc. The plan seemed …

EU auditor: Fossil fuels get more tax breaks than renewables
3 years, 1 month ago

EU auditor: Fossil fuels get more tax breaks than renewables

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union nations often still tax and subsidize their energy sources in contradiction with their committed climate goals, and a majority spend more supporting fossil fuels than renewables. “Low carbon prices and low energy taxes on fossil fuels increase the relative cost of greener technologies and delay the energy transition,” they said. While renewable energy subsidies are higher …

50% cheaper to generate electricity from renewables compared with fossil fuel-powered plants, analysis finds
3 years, 7 months ago

50% cheaper to generate electricity from renewables compared with fossil fuel-powered plants, analysis finds

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Research by the energy think tank Ember said it is now around 50 per cent cheaper to create electricity …

UK sixth in world for wind and solar electricity generation
3 years, 8 months ago

UK sixth in world for wind and solar electricity generation

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Wind and solar power accounted for 29 percent of Britain’s electricity production last year, putting …

Opinion: Bloomberg and Timmermans: Ending global coal subsidies will save lives
4 years ago

Opinion: Bloomberg and Timmermans: Ending global coal subsidies will save lives

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Michael R. Bloomberg is the founder of Bloomberg LP and served as mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. Air pollution — to which coal contributes significantly — causes 400,000 premature deaths a year in the EU alone, and 5% to 10% of all annual premature deaths in the United States. Coal plant closures have continued …

Renewables overtake fossil fuels for first time in UK as Europe transitions to green energy
4 years, 1 month ago

Renewables overtake fossil fuels for first time in UK as Europe transitions to green energy

The Independent  

The rapid rise of renewables continued in 2020 with wind, solar, bioenergy and hydropower overtaking fossil fuels to collectively become the UK’s largest source of electricity for the first time. Analysis from think tanks Ember and Agora Energiewende found that those four cleaner energies accounted for a record 42 per cent of the country’s electricity generation last year, while fossil …

Renewables Beat Fossil Fuels in EU for First Time Last Year
4 years, 1 month ago

Renewables Beat Fossil Fuels in EU for First Time Last Year

Hindustan Times  

Renewables are for the first time the dominant power source in Europe’s electric grid. In a year that saw pandemic restrictions sap energy demand across the continent, the drop in supply came mostly from more expensive power from fossil fuels. That was just enough to surpass fossil-powered generation for the first time, which dropped to 37%, according to analysis of …

Renewables outstrip fossil fuels as the EU’s main source of power
4 years, 1 month ago

Renewables outstrip fossil fuels as the EU’s main source of power

Al Jazeera  

Renewables overtook fossil fuels as the European Union’s main source of electricity for the first time in 2020 as new projects came online and coal power shrank, a report shows. Renewable sources such as wind and solar generated 38 percent of the 27-member bloc’s electricity in 2020, with fossil fuels such as coal and gas contributing 37 percent, the report …

Climate crisis: Wind and solar produce record 10% of world’s electricity, but scientists warn faster change is needed
4 years, 7 months ago

Climate crisis: Wind and solar produce record 10% of world’s electricity, but scientists warn faster change is needed

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Over the first half of 2020, wind turbines and solar panels together produced a record 10 per cent of …

Germany is first major economy to phase out coal and nuclear
4 years, 8 months ago

Germany is first major economy to phase out coal and nuclear

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German lawmakers have finalized the country’s long-awaited phase-out of coal as an energy source, backing a plan that environmental groups say isn’t ambitious enough and free marketeers criticize as a waste of taxpayers’ money. The plan is part of Germany’s ‘energy transition’ - an effort to wean Europe’s biggest economy off planet-warming fossil fuels and generate all of …

Ditching coal for clean energy such as wind and solar 'will save money by 2022', report predicts
4 years, 8 months ago

Ditching coal for clean energy such as wind and solar 'will save money by 2022', report predicts

Daily Mail  

Coal power stations are polluting and expensive, and the falling cost of clean energy is pushing the dirty fossil fuel to the brink of extinction, a report has found. Analysis showed installing environmentally-friendly energy sources, such as wind and solar farms, is cheaper than the running costs of 39 per cent of global coal stations. Solar and wind produced 11.45 …

Carbon emissions fall at fastest rate in 30 years as electricity sector moves away from coal
5 years ago

Carbon emissions fall at fastest rate in 30 years as electricity sector moves away from coal

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Coal-fuelled electricity declined 3 per cent in 2019, leading to a 2 per cent fall in the power sector’s …

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