Largest One-Year Drops in Fossil Fuel Electricity Production in the EU

Declines in fossil generation were recorded across the EU. Germany saw the largest fall compared to April last year, at 4.8 TWh (-26%), representing 32% of the total EU fall. Seven lignite-fired power plant units with a combined capacity of 3.1 gigawatts were closed in Germany at the end of March 2024. Italy was next, with a 2.2 TWh (-24%) fall, contributing another 15% to the total EU decline.

Wind and solar are spearheading the electricity transition

Wind and solar reached a record high in April 2024, generating more than a third (34%) of EU electricity for the first time. The previous record of 31% was set in May 2023. 

Last year wind and solar generated 27% of the EU’s electricity, for the first time surpassing a quarter, according to Ember’s European Electricity Review. The growth in wind and solar has continued to gather pace in 2024. 

Wind and solar not only achieved their largest ever share of generation in April 2024, but also the highest total monthly output with 68 TWh, more than the entire annual electricity demand of Czechia or Austria. This was more than double the electricity generated from hydro in the EU, which produced 32 TWh. As a result, wind and solar accounted for 62% of all renewable generation in April 2024.

Overall, renewable sources produced over half of EU electricity in April for only the second time ever, and achieved a record 54% share. Following heat waves and droughts in previous years, hydropower output rose 28% (+6.9 TWh) compared to April 2023, increasing its share from 12.3% in April 2023 to 15.7% in April 2024.