The Renewable Energy Snapshots report, published by the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Energy (IE), shows that renewable energy sources accounted for 62% (17 GW) of the new electricity generation capacity installed in the European Union (EU) in 2009.
The share rose from 57% in 2008. For the second year running, wind energy accounted for the largest share of the new capacity: 10.2 GW out of the 27.5 GW built, representing 38% of the total. In absolute terms, renewable energy produced 19.9% of Europe's electricity consumption last year.
If current growth rates are maintained, up to 1,400 TWh of electricity could be generated from renewable sources by 2020, the report concludes. This would account for approximately 35% to 40% of overall electricity consumption in the EU, depending on the success of community policies on electricity efficiency, and would contribute significantly to the fulfillment of the 20% target for energy generation from renewables, the report states.
SOURCE: Joint Research Centre
