This marks a pivotal shift, with renewable sources now accounting for half of all electricity produced in the EU in the first half of 2024.
The EU’s drive toward climate neutrality is yielding impressive results, as greenhouse gas emissions have plummeted by 32.5% from 1990 to 2022, all while the economy surged by 67%. These achievements are highlighted in the European Commission’s 2024 Energy Status Report, which underscores the Union’s ability to overcome critical risks to energy supply and regain control over energy markets and prices.
Moreover, the EU has drastically reduced its reliance on Russian gas, cutting imports from 45% in 2021 to just 18% by mid-2024. By boosting imports from trusted partners like Norway and the US, and hitting its gas storage target of 90% by August—well ahead of schedule—the EU is better prepared for the upcoming winter.
However, the report stresses the need for continued improvements, particularly in energy efficiency. The EU must strengthen efforts to reduce final energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030 and urges all member states to submit their updated national energy and climate plans to meet collective goals by the end of the decade.
