Green Power and Flagging Demand Reduce European Fossil-Fuel Use

Use of fossil fuels in Europe and the UK dropped in the first three months of the year as renewable power generation surged and demand was lower.

Renewable energy contributed 46% of electricity generation in Europe in the first quarter of 2023, according to data from Enappsys, the highest share for the period since at least 2021. In the UK, the proportion was was 45%, the highest since at least 2015.

Electricity demand was lower than normal in both regions with milder temperatures and higher prices. Across the European Union, the push to build more renewables is accelerating. ...