EU makes great strides in the use of renewable energy

According to a recent study conducted by Eurostat, the statistics agency of the European Union (EU), members of the EU are making great strides to reduce their use of fossil fuels and increase their reliance on renewable energy sources. The report, titled “Statistical Aspects of the Energy Economy in 2009,” indicates that over the course of the year studied, from 2008 to 2009, the use of renewable energy in the EU increased fully 8.9 percent. During the same time period, use of the fossil fuels hard coal and natural gas declined even more dramatically, at 9.2 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively.

Overall, the EU generates a total of 18.4 percent of its power through the use of renewable energy, with some members moving even more aggressively. Witness Portugal, a country that produces fully 45 percent of its electricity through the use of renewable sources. The EU is also pushing its members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting back on the use of coal. To read the report, click here.