Wind energy surpasses gas in EU energy mix for first time
Wind energy surpasses gas in the EU may not sound like a headline that directly affects Londoners, but this milestone matters more to the UK than it might first appear. In 2023, for the first time, wind energy generated more electricity across the European Union than gas did. It’s a clear signal that Europe’s energy priorities are shifting, and for a country like the UK, closely aligned with European energy infrastructure and climate goals, that’s worth paying attention to.
According to independent climate think tank Ember, wind power provided 18% of the EU’s electricity last year, overtaking gas at 17%. Combined with solar, the two renewable sources accounted for 27% of the entire mix – more than a quarter for the first time in history. That’s a steep rise from 2022, when wind alone accounted for just 13%.
Denmark is currently leading the pack, with 58% of its electricity coming from wind turbines, which is more than any other OECD country per capita. Germany, too, continues to invest heavily in renewables, driven by its expanding electric vehicle market. In fact, since 2021, over three million electric cars have been sold in the EU, and Germany alone now sees EVs making up 20% of all new car sales.
The shift is part of the EU’s wider ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. That’s an enormous task, but this latest data suggests the region is, at last, gaining real momentum. The knock-on effect for UK policies and industries is significant. From supply chains and clean tech investment to grid interconnectivity and trade, we’re still deeply tied to Europe’s climate direction – even post-Brexit.
For London, the news offers a glimpse into the future of our own energy landscape. As more households adopt electric heat pumps and electric cars become the norm, electricity demand will rise sharply. Meeting that demand sustainably will be the next challenge. Wind and solar will have to do the heavy lifting, and the UK’s own wind resources, particularly offshore, are among the strongest in Europe.
Dave Jones, global insights director at Ember, summed it up: “As electrification takes off through more heat pumps, electric vehicles and electrolysers, the EU will enter a new era of rising electricity demand. Renewables will need to keep pace with that demand increase in order to deliver the emissions cuts needed for a safe climate.”
The UK isn’t part of the EU anymore, but the direction of travel is the same – and fast. The energy transition is already here. What’s happening across the Channel offers valuable insight into how we can, and must, scale our own renewable capabilities. The question now is whether we’ll match that pace.
For more updates on sustainable energy developments and the policies shaping London’s future, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | Carbon Brief]
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