- Renewable energies have overtaken fossil fuels in Europe, now representing more than 56% of the energy mix in countries such as Spain, which has led to savings of 59 billion euros in gas and coal imports.
- Digitalisation and industrial innovation are accelerating the energy transition, with technologies such as green hydrogen, automation and electrification of transport optimising consumption and reducing the carbon footprint in key sectors.
Renewable energy outstrips fossil fuels
The transition to a green economy in Europe is making remarkable progress, driven by the growth of renewable energies and the consequent reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
Since the implementation of the European Green Deal in 2019, the European Union has managed to significantly decrease its gas and coal imports, generating an estimated €59 billion in savings.
Growth of renewable energies
In 2024, renewables accounted for 56% of Spain’s energy mix, an increase of 11% over the previous year. This growth is largely due to the expansion of solar and wind energy.
- Solar energy already covers 11% of European electricity demand, surpassing coal, which stands at 10%, for the first time.
- Wind energy contributes 17%, surpassing gas for the second year in a row.
These data show that the commitment to renewables is not only viable, but that it is displacing fossil fuels at an accelerated rate.
Economic and environmental benefits
The adoption of renewable energies not only contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but also offers significant economic advantages:
- Solar self-consumption generates average savings of 1,000 euros per year per household, with a payback period of approximately 6.2 years.
- Aerothermal heating is gaining popularity due to its high cost-effectiveness and low carbon emissions.
This shows that investing in renewable energies not only helps the environment, but is also economically beneficial for society and business as a whole.
The role of industry and digitalisation in the energy transition
In addition to the residential sector, industry plays a key role in Europe’s energy transformation. Companies are adopting more sustainable production models to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their energy efficiency.
- Industry 4.0 and energy efficiency: The integration of digitalisation and automation is optimising energy consumption in key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and logistics. Smart sensors and energy management systems are reducing energy waste and maximising the use of renewable sources.
- Green hydrogen as an industrial alternative: Many industries are beginning to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen, a clean energy source that can be used in intensive industrial processes such as steel production and chemical manufacturing.
- Electrification of transport and logistics: Transport companies are moving towards electric vehicles and smart charging systems, reducing dependence on fossil fuels in a key sector of the global economy.
Challenges and future perspectives
Despite progress, the energy transition faces some challenges:
- Excessive bureaucracy that can slow down decarbonisation.
- Ensure fair competition in the energy market.
- Change of course by the new Trump administration, which has already threatened to abandon its international climate commitments.
To address these challenges, the European Commission has presented the ‘Competitiveness Compass’, a plan that seeks to increase the EU’s autonomy through productivity and innovation. This will allow for further deregulation and unification to improve efficiency and foster deeper economic coordination between member states and private companies.
Conclusion
Europe is moving towards a more sustainable future, where renewable energies play a central role in reducing emissions and promoting a greener and more autonomous economy. The energy transition is not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic and social opportunity for the development of a more efficient and resilient model. However, Europe cannot be an island; if the other key countries, especially the US, do not join the climate commitments, the effect of this transition may be diluted and may also mean a loss of competitiveness for Europe, as it has more demanding climate standards than its competitors.