Wind power produced more electricity than gas in 2023

London, (EFE). Wind power produced more electricity than gas for the first time in the European Union (EU) in 2023, according to a study published this Wednesday by British ideas lab Ember.

According to the European Electricity Analysis, the share of electricity generated by wind was 18%, compared with 17% of electricity from gas, in a year when renewables continued to grow and accounted for 44% of annual electricity production.

‘Unprecedented’ decline in gas and coal use

It also revealed an “unprecedented” decline in the use of gas and coal for electricity generation in the EU, leading to a record 19% reduction in carbon emissions from the sector.

Specifically, coal and gas-fired electricity production declined by 26% and 15%, respectively, due to both increased use of renewable energy sources and decreased demand for electricity throughout the community.

Increased wind and solar energy

He thus highlighted the growth of electricity generation from wind and solar, which together produced 27% of the European Union’s electricity in 2023.

These record figures bring good news for the EU’s decarbonization target under the REPowerEU strategy, which aims to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 – compared to 1990 levels.

However, while Ember’s European program director Sarah Brown believes gas and coal are “in decline” and will soon disappear, she warned the EU that “now is not the time to be complacent.”

“The EU needs to focus on the rapid and flexible deployment of wind and solar energy to create a system without the risks associated with fossil fuels,” he stressed.