Europe is undergoing a significant energy transformation, even if it often goes unnoticed in the daily headlines. Away from the media noise, European countries are quietly moving towards a more sustainable energy future. An important milestone was reached in 2024: solar power overtook coal in electricity generation, demonstrating the continent's growing commitment to renewable energy.
This change is not a mere coincidence, but the result of ambitious policies and growing environmental awareness. Solar energy, the star of this transformation, has experienced exponential growth in recent years, driven by the reduction in costs of solar panels and the increasing efficiency of photovoltaic technologies. While solar is the fastest growing renewable energy source, it still lags behind wind and nuclear in terms of total output.
The graph of electricity generation in 2024 (can be seen in the graph below) clearly illustrates this evolution. There is a significant decline in electricity production from fossil fuels, which has decreased and now only represents 29% of the total, compared to previous years. This is encouraging news, although experts warn that the transition must be accelerated to meet climate goals.
The abandonment of fossil fuels is crucial to mitigate climate change, but it also poses new challenges. The intermittency of renewable sources, such as solar and wind, requires efficient storage solutions to ensure a stable electricity supply. This is where Europe faces one of its greatest challenges: how to store energy generated during periods of high production (sunny or windy days) to use it when generation is low (nights or calm periods).
Batteries are presented as a promising solution, and have seen notable advances in recent years, both in terms of capacity and cost. However, the implementation of large-scale storage systems is still limited. It is essential that new solar and wind power installations include storage systems, such as batteries, to maximise their impact and ensure a continuous and reliable electricity supply. This integration should be an indispensable requirement in new energy policies.
Other storage alternatives are in development, such as gravity storage systems (reversible pumped hydro) or thermal systems, but they are still in the early stages of development and their viability on a large scale remains to be proven. Research and development in these areas is crucial to diversify storage options and find the most suitable solutions for the characteristics of each region.
Europe's energy transition is a complex process that requires the collaboration of governments, businesses and citizens. While significant progress has been made, the pace of change needs to be accelerated and the challenges of energy storage need to be addressed. Investment in research and development, the implementation of policies that encourage the adoption of renewable energy and the promotion of public awareness are key elements to achieve a sustainable and secure energy future for Europe.
The energy transformation is not limited to electricity generation. Electrifying transport, improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries, and promoting responsible consumption are key pieces of this puzzle.
The path to sustainability is a collective effort that requires a long-term commitment and a shared vision of a future powered by clean and renewable energy.
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