The 2024 State of the Energy Union report highlights significant strides made by the European Union in securing its energy supply and transitioning to climate neutrality. Key achievements include:
- Renewable energy growth: In the first half of 2024, renewable sources accounted for 50% of the EU’s electricity production, with wind energy surpassing natural gas as the second-largest source, following nuclear energy.
- Emission reductions: Greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 32.5% from 1990 to 2022, even as the EU’s economy grew by about 67%.
- Diversification of gas imports: The EU reduced its reliance on Russian gas from 45% in 2021 to 18% by June 2024, increasing imports from stable partners like Norway and the USA.
- Gas storage preparedness: The EU achieved a 90% gas storage level for the winter by August 2024, ahead of the November deadline.
However, the report also identifies areas needing improvement, particularly in energy efficiency. To meet the 2030 goal of reducing final energy consumption by 11.7%, the EU must enhance efforts in electrifying heating systems and accelerate building renovations.
