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Graphic shows increase in solar power generation across the EU from 2018-2021.
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ENVIRONMENT

Solar power generation hits 10% in European Union

By Ninian Carter

August 18, 2021 - Solar power generation in the EU rose to a landmark 10% during the peak months of June and July, reports the energy think-tank Ember.

A report by independent climate think-tank Ember, claims the creation of solar power in the European Union during June and July rose to a record high this year, accounting for 10% of total electricity produced.

Solar power generation from solar panels hit nearly 39 terawatt hours (TWh) during June and July, up 10.9 TWh from 2018.

Eight EU countries also set new records during the summer peak – Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

Spain had the largest growth for the summer period over four years, more than doubling from 3.1 TWh in 2018 to 6.4 TWh in 2021 (increasing solar power's share of electricity production to 16%).

The Netherlands was second, nearly tripling production to 3.2 TWh, up from 1.1 TWh in 2018 (17%).

Italy was the third largest producer with a slight increase from 5.7 TWh to nearly 6 TWh (13%).

However, power generation from solar panels lagged that of coal, which stands at 14% for the EU in the same time period.

The EU has set an interim target to raise its share of renewable energy to 40% by 2030 – up from around 20% in 2019.

Beginning in 2019, EU solar power supplies have risen by an average 14 TWh every year, and is expected to do the same in 2021.

It will need to increase by double that amount to 30 TWh per year to meet the EU’s 2030 climate target.

Note: The United Kingdom left the EU on January 31, 2020, and has been removed from the report's findings.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 18/08/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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