Thanks to this curious and detailed map, you will be able to see which is still the predominant energy source in each European country.
Europe as a whole continues actively promoting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources through policies such as the Renewable Energy Directive and the emission rights trading system.
In the following map —from 2021— you can see what is the main source of energy in each country in Europe. Qualify that the total number of nations that belong to this continent does not appear, since some of them are intertwined by means of electrical networks, allowing the exchange of electricity between borders.
as you can see, a total of 14 countries have already set very ambitious renewable energy targets and are implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done. It is crucial that efforts continue with a focus on innovation and improvement. Investment in more efficient and cleaner technologies, as well as storage research and development, will be critical to sustaining the transition to a truly sustainable future.
Our World in Data
Main sources of energy by country: Europe
Fossil Sources
- Coal: Although some Eastern European countries still rely on coal to generate electricity, the region as a whole is slowly abandoning this resource due to environmental concerns, opting for cleaner alternatives.
- Natural Gas: In many European countries, such as Spain, natural gas has been a primary source of electricity. Its use ranges from base to peak generation, thanks to its relatively low emissions compared to coal and oil.
Nuclear energy
- France – With a deep history in nuclear power, France stands out as a leader in this field, deriving a significant part of its power from nuclear reactors.
- Others: Countries like Sweden, Finland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom also have nuclear plants that contribute to their energy matrix.
The energy newspaper
Renewable energy
- Wind Power – Many European countries, especially those with favorable climates such as the UK, Germany, Spain and Denmark, have invested heavily in wind power, both onshore and offshore.
- Solar energy: Across Europe, solar energy has experienced considerable growth, led by nations such as Germany, Italy, Spain and France, who lead in solar installations.
- Hydropower: Countries with abundant water resources, including Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and the Balkans, integrate a significant portion of hydropower into their electricity mix.
- Biomass and bioenergy: Some countries, such as Sweden and Finland, use biomass and bioenergy extracted from sources such as wood, agricultural residues, and organic waste to generate electricity.
Europe, with major countries already taking the plunge, has the potential to play a key role in accelerating this positive change in the way energy is generated and consumed across the continent and globally.