The European energy mix

Here is an overview of the energy mix and the role of renewable energies in Europe and France. At the European level, all countries are accelerating the abandonment of fossil fuels in favor of the production of renewable energies.

For the first time in 2020, the production of renewable energy in Europe has taken precedence over the production of fossil fuels. Indeed, each country has been able to focus its strategy on renewable energies according to its territory: solar (southern Europe), onshore or offshore wind (coastal countries), hydro (Norway), etc.

France, however, is an exception with a strategy that focuses more on nuclear energy.

The European energy mix

In Europe, in 2018, renewable energy represented 35% of the total mix. Fossil energy was still the majority with 42% of the mix, and nuclear energy accounted for 22%.

Breakdown of the energy mix by country in Europe

The European countries with the largest share of renewable energy in their energy mix in 2018 are Iceland (100% renewable), Denmark (82%), and Portugal (55%).

Conversely, the European countries most dependent on fossil fuels are the Netherlands (76% of fossil fuels), Germany (46%), and Portugal (45%).

Some countries rely on nuclear energy. For example, 70% of France’s electricity comes from nuclear energy.

Electricity production in France (GWh)

In France, nuclear power generation increased by more than 25% between 1990 and 2019. At the same time, the GWh generated by renewable energies has more than doubled, but the share of renewable energies in the French energy mix remains a minority (21%).

What is the purpose of electricity production in France? (in Ktoe)

The 3 sectors that use the most electricity in France are: 1. transport 2. the residential sector 3. industry. There is a real opportunity to use renewable hydrogen for transport and industry in the decarbonization strategies.

Source: www.iea.org