REPowerEU

Nearly Half of the EU’s Electricity Is Now Renewable

According to the latest data, 47% of the European Union’s electricity currently comes from renewable sources. This growth has been accompanied by a significant increase in installed wind and solar capacity, which has risen by 58% cumulatively between 2021 and 2024.

Thanks to this expansion, an estimated 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas have been saved over the past three years. Furthermore, renewable capacity is expected to grow by an additional 16% in 2025, potentially replacing another 16 bcm of gas.

More Investment and Streamlined Permitting

In its assessment titled “REPowerEU – Three Years On,” the European Commission highlights the simplification of permitting procedures and the boost in investment as key factors in advancing toward the goal of reaching 42.5% to 45% renewables in the EU’s energy mix by 2030.

Drop in Fossil Fuel Imports

A central pillar of the plan has been the progressive phase-out of fossil fuels. According to the report, imports of Russian gas dropped from 150 bcm in 2021 to 52 bcm in 2024—shrinking its share in Europe’s energy supply from 45% to 19%.

Crude oil imports from Russia also fell sharply, from 27% to just 3%, while coal imports have been reduced to zero.

Greater Efficiency and a New Roadmap

In addition to boosting renewable generation, the EU has updated its energy efficiency rules. Member States have agreed to reduce their energy consumption by a further 11.7% by 2030, with incentives to improve building efficiency and the support of EU funding.

The Commission’s review also announces the release of a new REPowerEU Roadmap, which will include legislative measures starting in June to gradually and jointly phase out the remaining imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear energy.