Renewable energy sources account for nearly one-fifth of the energy supply within the European Union.
In the ever-evolving global energy landscape, the "Key figures on the EU in the world" publication offers a comprehensive comparison of the European Union's (EU) performance across a multitude of topics. Let's delve into the EU's energy supply statistics for 2021.
Fossil fuels dominated the EU's energy supply, accounting for approximately two-thirds (66.0%) of the total. Oil, in particular, constituted 31.3% of the EU's energy mix, followed by natural gas (24.2%) and solid fossil fuels (12.0%). Contrastingly, fossil fuels globally accounted for 80.7% of the world's total energy supply, highlighting the EU's relatively lower reliance on these resources.
The EU, however, demonstrated a distinct preference for renewable energy sources. Biofuels, waste, electricity, and heat contributed 19.2% to the EU's total energy supply in 2021, surpassing the global average. Notably, nuclear energy provided 13.3% of the EU's energy, which was 2.6 times as high as the global average (5.0%).
The EU's renewable energy landscape is diverse, with several countries contributing significantly to the global renewable energy supply. Among them are China, the USA, Germany, Italy, Poland, Serbia, and Turkey, with China leading the pack due to its vast wind and solar capacity.
As the world transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the EU is making strides in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The relative importance of fossil fuels in the world's total energy supply was 2.3 times as high as their share in the EU in 2021, indicating a positive shift towards renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, the EU's energy landscape is a testament to its commitment towards a greener future. While fossil fuels still play a significant role, the EU's renewable energy sector is growing, and its contribution to the global renewable energy supply is noteworthy. As the world moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the EU continues to evolve in the global energy landscape.
