In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, Europe has achieved notable savings by reducing its dependency on fossil fuels. This shift has been largely driven by increased investments in renewable energy sources.
According to the energy think tank Ember, Europe’s reliance on wind and solar energy has led to a marked decrease in the need for imported oil and gas. The continent is set to continue this trend in 2026, as renewable energy production reaches unprecedented levels, aided by favorable spring conditions.
This transition is not only reducing costs but also enhancing energy security, especially amidst geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran, which has disrupted supply chains and increased prices.
Billions Saved Through Renewable Investments
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that in 2025, the EU saved a staggering $60 billion (€51.4 billion) by cutting down on fossil fuel imports. This reduction has helped Europe better manage the economic impacts of the US-Israel and Iran war on energy prices.
“Europe’s energy transition is paying dividends – the $60 billion in fossil savings last year will be eclipsed by the savings this year as prices of all oil, gas and coal surge,” a spokesperson from Ember tells Euronews Earth.
Investments in renewables are shifting Europe’s energy focus toward electrification, reducing oil use in transportation and gas use in heating and industry. In 2025, the EU imported €336.7 billion in energy products, equating to 723.3 million tonnes. This marked a decrease in both value (-11.1 per cent) and net mass (-0.6 per cent) compared to 2024, according to Strategic Perspectives.
Instead, the EU funneled $105 billion (€90 billion) into renewables, with solar energy making up 12.5 per cent of the EU’s total energy mix, producing over 340 TWh. This increase in solar output by more than 60 TWh is equivalent to Portugal’s annual electricity demand.
Marin Gillot, Energy Analyst at Strategic Perspectives, stated, “Clean energy is no longer just about climate, it is also an economic and geopolitical strategy. The faster Europe moves away from fossil fuels, the less exposed European citizens and businesses will be to price shocks and geopolitical instability.”
Renewables Outshine Gas Globally
The year 2026 is proving to be a landmark for renewable energy. For the first time in April, wind and solar energy surpassed gas in electricity generation globally. According to Ember, wind and solar accounted for 22 per cent of global electricity production, compared to 20 per cent from gas.
This milestone, achieved during the latest global energy crisis, highlights the rapid advancement of wind and solar power in the global energy landscape, even amidst volatile fossil fuel markets.
Globally, renewable output increased by 13 per cent year-on-year, with significant growth in several major markets: China (+14 per cent), the EU (+13 per cent), the UK (+35 per cent), the US (+8 per cent), Australia (+17 per cent), Chile (+24 per cent), and Brazil (+4 per cent).
However, Ember notes that wind and solar have only overtaken gas for a single month so far, not on an annual basis. April was the ideal month for this achievement due to strong wind and rising solar generation in the northern hemisphere, where most solar capacity is located. Additionally, electricity demand is lower between the heating and cooling seasons, reducing the need for gas generation.
Original Story at www.euronews.com