Green energy production in Europe.

Perhaps the secret of European green energy lies in the harmony between wind turbines, solar fields, rivers and biomass. Perhaps it is in this fusion of natural elements that the magic of this energy production lies, a celebration of nature waiting to be appreciated by those who know how to see its beauty.

The pillars of the energy transition in Europe: growth, investments, reduction of emissions and global leadership in green energies.

It is important to remember several key points regarding green energy production in Europe:
Sustained growth: Green energy production in Europe has seen sustained growth over the years, with a significant increase in installed capacity in areas such as wind, solar, hydropower and biomass.
Massive investments: European countries have invested heavily in renewable energy, with support programs and financial incentives to encourage the development and adoption of these technologies.
Reduction of emissions: The main objective of this transition to green energy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, in line with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement.
Diversification of energy sources: By developing renewable energy, Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources, thereby reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and improving its energy security.
Global leadership: Europe has positioned itself as a global leader in green energy, often exporting its expertise and technologies to other regions of the world.

The types of green energy most produced in Europe:

Wind energy :
In 2022, the European Union produced 419.5 TWh of wind electricity, exceeding French annual nuclear production. The leading countries are Germany (66.2 GW), Spain (29 GW), France (20.7 GW) and Sweden (14.6 GW). In France, wind energy covered 8.4% of needs. However, the EU must accelerate: only 15 GW additional were installed in 2022, far from the target of 42.5% renewables by 2030. The EU strategy targets 60 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050, representing 25% of European electricity.

Solar energy :
In 2023, Europe added almost 60 GW of solar capacity, representing a 40% increase compared to 2022. The EU's photovoltaic fleet has doubled in two years, reaching around 18.7 GW, including France represents 5%. These figures show rapid growth of solar energy in Europe, encouraged by supportive policies and financial incentives.

Hydroelectricity:
In Europe, hydroelectricity remains a major source of green energy, particularly for Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. In May 2022, Drax Group invested £500 million to add 600 MW to the Cruachan power station. In the United Kingdom, the renovation of the 360 MW Ffestiniog power station is progressing. In Russia, massive investments are planned to modernize hydroelectric plants, with capacity additions announced of up to 3.8 GW.
In Europe, in addition to wind, solar and hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal energy, marine energy and biogas are also used as sources of green energy. These alternatives diversify the energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting a sustainable transition.

These diverse sources of green energy in Europe help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmental sustainability and drive technological innovation. Their growing adoption is also influencing global energy policies, encouraging a transition to cleaner and sustainable energy systems globally.