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🗞️ Driving the news: In 2023, renewable energy became the dominant source of electricity in the EU, accounting for 44.7% of total production, driven by substantial increases in solar and wind energy
• Fossil fuel consumption, meanwhile, dropped significantly, with natural gas usage falling to its lowest level since 1995

🔭 The context: Eurostat's preliminary data reveals that renewable electricity generation rose by 12.4% from 2022, totaling 1.21 million Gigawatt-hours (GWh)
• Solar power saw the largest growth, increasing by 18.9%, while wind energy generation rose by 13.4%
• The decline in fossil fuel use, particularly natural gas and coal, aligns with the EU's RePowerEU strategy to enhance energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The shift to renewables is crucial for the EU’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
• This transition not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances energy security and diversifies energy sources, mitigating the impacts of future energy crises

⏭️ What's next: The EU's focus on renewable energy is expected to continue, with ongoing investments in solar and wind projects
• The trend towards cleaner energy sources is likely to accelerate further, supporting the EU's climate targets and contributing to global renewable energy growth

💬 One quote: “Last year was a record year for solar around the world, with Europe no exception.” – Rosie Frost, Euractiv

📈 One stat: Renewable energy accounted for 44.7% of the EU’s electricity production in 2023, up from 32.3% in 2022

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