Data analyzed by climate think tank Ember show that clean sources continued to dominate the EU’s power mix in July. Renewables generated 69% of electricity last month, slightly down compared to a record 72,67% reached in May.

Although the share of clean power continues to remain close to its record high, power emissions rose by 7% compared to the previous month amid increased fossil fuels use, mainly gas.

Gas generation rose from 35,15 TWh to 38,04 TWh, largely to cover drops in hydro and rising energy demand while coal generation increased slightly from 19,32 TWh in June to 20,01 TWh in July.

However, gas demand is expected to decline this year, according to the latest analysis published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its quarterly report, the agency estimates a 7% decline compared to last year amid rapidly expanding renewables and reduced power consumption. 

The EU’s energy transition efforts are starting to pay off.  Last month, utilities generated 14,84% of electricity from solar sources, more than doubling the bloc’s solar share in the generation mix since July 2018.