47% of Europe’s electricity was generated from renewables in 2024

According to the European Commission’s report on the electricity market, the year 2024 marked a period of transition for the European electricity system. While electricity demand continued to rise, renewable generation lost ground compared to the levels achieved in 2023.

Total electricity demand stood at 2,419 TWh, a 1% increase over the previous year. However, this increase in demand was not accompanied by a proportional rise in renewable electricity generation. Renewable electricity consumption reached 624 TWh, slightly below the total renewable output, which amounted to 643 TWh. Within the renewable mix, onshore wind accounted for 42%, hydropower for 32%, solar for 12%, biomass for 7%, offshore wind for 6%, and other technologies for 1%.

In total, renewable energy sources contributed 1,160 TWh to Europe’s electricity generation in 2024, accounting for 47% of total output. This share marks a significant milestone, reflecting a strong shift toward cleaner energy sources. This share represents a decline of three percentage points compared to 2023. The decrease is mainly attributed to lower wind generation and, more significantly, a drop in hydropower output, which was impacted by adverse weather conditions.

Specifically, hydropower generation fell by 10 TWh, down to 85 TWh. Onshore wind saw a notable decrease of 16 TWh, ending the year at 114 TWh, while offshore wind declined by 2 TWh, reaching a total of 17 TWh.

The only renewable technology to show consistent growth was solar, which reached 32 TWh—an increase of 5 TWh compared to the previous year, increasing by 19%. Contributions from biomass and other renewable sources remained stable during the period. Additionally, hydropower output improved by 13% during key months of the year, helping to offset earlier losses.

Every watt counts when it comes to cutting energy emissions and costs. Furthermore, demand for gas was 20% lower than 2021 levels, with renewables playing a major role in this reduction.

The ongoing growth of renewables, especially solar, continues to support lower average wholesale electricity prices since 2021.