Image: APA/AFP/INA FASSBENDER
According to a study by the think tank Ember, the use of fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal fell by 17 percent from January to June. The share of fossil fuels in the electricity mix was 33 percent.
Coal generation fell by 23 percent and gas generation by 13 percent. Solar power generation saw a 13 percent increase. Wind power generation increased by 4.8 percent.
Significant minus in Austria
According to the authors, the reason is a drop in demand of 4.6 percent due to persistently high gas and electricity prices, lower industrial production and lower consumption in winter. “The decline in fossil fuels is a sign of the times,” said study author Matt Ewen. A massive push, particularly in solar and wind power, is needed to support a resilient economy.
The decline in fossil fuels can be seen across Europe, with 11 countries seeing a decrease of at least 20 percent and five countries – Portugal, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland – more than 30 percent.
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