Share of energy consumption from renewable sources in Europe – European Environment Agency

Definition

Definition

Methodology

Methodology

Officially reported renewable energy data were compiled by Eurostat using annual joint questionnaires, which are shared by Eurostat and the International Energy Agency, following a well-established and harmonised methodology. Methodological information on the annual joint questionnaires and data compilation can be found on Eurostat’s web page on metadata on energy statistics.

Methodology uncertainty

Values concerning the previous year, which normally are published by EEA during the autumn, are approximate (proxies) and have been estimated by the EEA. These proxies were not obtained following the formal collection process for official statistics and are therefore less accurate and reliable than official statistics.

Notes on uncertainties in the underlying statistics and methodology:

Biomass and bio-waste, as defined by Eurostat, cover organic, non-fossil material of biological origin, which may be used for heat production or electricity generation. They comprise wood and wood waste, biogas, municipal solid waste (MSW) and biofuels. MSW comprises biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes produced by different sectors. Non-biodegradable municipal and solid wastes are not considered renewable, but current data availability does not allow the non-biodegradable content of wastes to be identified separately, except in industry. Large data-gaps also exist regarding the energy use of wood, which further adds to the methodological uncertainty.

The electricity produced from hydropower storage systems is not classified as a renewable source of energy in terms of electricity production, but is considered part of the gross electricity consumption of a country. Hydropower and wind power generation are calculated as actual generation and normalised generation. Normalised generation is calculated using the weighted average load factor over the last 15 years for hydropower and the last five years for wind power.

The indicator measures the consumption of energy from renewable sources relative to total energy consumption for a particular country. The share of renewable energy could increase even if actual energy consumption from renewable sources falls. Similarly, the share could fall despite an increase in energy consumption from renewable sources.

Electricity consumption within a national territory includes imports of electricity from neighbouring countries. It excludes electricity produced nationally but exported abroad. In some countries, the contribution of electricity trade to total electricity consumption and the changes observed from year to year need to be looked at carefully when analysing trends in electricity from RESs. Impacts on the (national) environment are also affected, since emissions are taken into account for the country in which the electricity is produced, whereas consumption is taken into account for the country in which the electricity is consumed.

Data sets uncertainty

Data sets uncertainty

No uncertainty has been specified.

Rationale uncertainty

Rationale uncertainty

No uncertainty has been specified.

Data sources and providers

Data sources and providers

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the consumption of energy from renewable sources and its impact on the environment, which are directly related to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Additionally, the use of renewable energy is a key strategy for mitigating climate change, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article emphasizes the importance of increasing the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption, which aligns with SDG 7.2. It also highlights the need to consider renewable energy in national policies and planning, supporting SDG 13.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Share of energy consumption from renewable sources relative to total energy consumption
• Integration of renewable energy in national policies and planning

The article mentions the indicator of the share of energy consumption from renewable sources relative to total energy consumption. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 7.2. Additionally, the article implies the need to integrate renewable energy in national policies and planning, which can be measured as an indicator for SDG 13.2.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eea.europa.eu