The analysis of Ember’s dataset of monthly electricity generation in the EU, reveals that the carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels reached 462,23 MtCO2 so far this year, a 12% decline compared to the same time last year.

Data published by Ember also reveals that from January through November, electricity production in the EU from fossil fuels reached just 655 Twh, significantly lower than the 735,1 TWh generated from fossil fuels during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the power generation from wind and solar reached 700,12 TWh.

However, the share of gas in the power mix surpassed 20% last month, for the first time since December 2022 due to low wind power and increased heating demand, surpassing wind (19,35%)  and making gas the second largest energy source after nuclear power.

Despite the rise seen in November, “Europe is set to burn less gas for power generation this winter” according to an analysis published by S&P Global Commodity Insights last month, as “nuclear and hydro power will continue to sit towards or above five-year maximum levels for the time of year. ”

Still, a combination of colder temperatures and low wind speeds would favor gas and coal generation with fossil fueled power plants providing essential back-up. “After two consecutive winters with warmer-than-average weather, early indications show a high probability that Western and Central Europe will be hit by colder temperatures due to La Niña phenomenon, although temperatures may still be warmer than the long-term average”, warned the  European Gas Market Winter Outlook published by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.