Emissions from fossil generation in the EU reached just 377 mtCO2e in the first nine months of this year, according to data released by Ember. Compared to the same period last year, the amount is almost 22% lower

The new data released by Ember confirms the trends that were revealed in the previous analysis for the first semester of 2023. The main reason for the decline is the rapid drop in the EU’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Power sector emissions from fossil fuels generation

January-September

Source: Ember, graphic by Emba Power

In the first three quarters this year, fossil fuels produced just 597,53 TWh compared to 1250,35 TWh obtained from clean sources, which include solar, wind, hydro and nuclear. Solar generation climbed by 15,9% (27 TWh).  While wind generation increased at a slower pace by 7,7% (22,21 TWh), it managed to reach 313,4 TWh, closing the gap on gas.

In contrast, gas power generation fell from 380,43 TWh last year to 325,78 TWh, a 14,36% decline which could be attributed mainly to high prices. Coal generation dropped even faster from 320,79 TWh in the first nine months last year, to just 228,28 TWh in 2023, representing a 28,8% decline.