According to Ember energy think tank on Wednesday, European Union electricity demand returned to pre-pandemic levels without an increase in emissions.
According to grid operator data analysis, in the first half of 2021, EU electricity demand almost measured up to six months of demand two years ago.
Unlike in 2019, most of the electricity generated in the first six months of this year was from renewable sources.
Electricity generated from fossil fuels declined before the pandemic, Ember found.
As a result, the EU’s electricity sector generated 12% less greenhouse gas emissions over two years, the think tank added.
The relative decrease in fossil fuel use is partly due to higher gas and carbon costs during the first half of 2021.
The CO2 price per ton has increased to 50 euros from 33 euros in the past 6 months, according to the EU Emissions Trading System.
However, the cost of renewable energy sources has stayed stable since 2019, Ember said.
According to research conducted in Spain, Italy, Germany, and France, electricity generated from fossil fuel and coal costs double the wind and solar-generated electricity price.
“The analysis conducted by Ember is completely realistic.” Said Alexander Dusolt, a senior associate at energy consultancy Agora Energiewende.
Although, he pointed that Spain witnessed a higher growth in renewable energy generation, unlike Germany.
EU countries pursue 55% fewer gas emissions by 2030, but an expert says it will take a sharp decline in fossil fuels use.
45% of the EU’s power supply comes from coal, gas and oil.
Tags: EU, Electricity, Renewable Energy, Greenhouse gas