In 2022, renewable energy sources accounted for 41.2% of gross electricity consumption in the EU, marking a significant increase of 3.4 percentage points from 2021 (37.8%). This surge places renewable energy well ahead of other electricity-generation sources such as nuclear (less than 22%), gas (less than 20%), or coal (less than 17%).
The total contribution of renewable energy sources saw a notable 5.7% increase from 2021 to 2022. Wind and hydropower emerged as the primary contributors, collectively representing over two-thirds of the total electricity generated from renewable sources (37.5% and 29.9%, respectively). Solar power, although comprising a smaller share, experienced the most rapid growth, having risen from just 1% in 2008 to 18.2% in 2022.
When focusing on specific countries, Croatia stands out with a noteworthy share of energy from renewable sources in its gross electricity consumption. In 2022, Croatia reported a 55.5% share, showcasing a significant reliance on renewable energy, particularly from sources like hydro and wind. This places Croatia among the leading European countries in renewable energy adoption.
Despite such advancements, there remain challenges, with some countries like Malta, Hungary, Czechia, and Luxembourg reporting lower shares of electricity from renewable sources, indicating a need for further development and investment in sustainable energy practices.
Overall, Croatia's commitment to renewable energy underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability and positions it as a promising player in Europe's transition towards cleaner and greener energy solutions.