Energy generation records in Europe and the United Kingdom in the third quarter of 2024
The third quarter of 2024 was a period of significant milestones for energy generation on the continent, highlighting a historic increase in solar and wind power production, alongside a reduction in fossil fuel generation. Below, *Energía Estratégica España* analyzes the main points of the quarterly report from Montel Analytics on the European electricity markets.
During the third quarter of this year, Europe reached a record in solar generation, producing a total of 94 TWh, 15% more than in the same quarter of 2023, according to the latest report from Montel Analytics.
Germany, Italy, and Spain stood out as the largest solar energy producers, with 24.8 TWh, 16.9 TWh, and 9.7 TWh, respectively.
As for wind energy, production also reached its historical peak for a third quarter, with 104.7 TWh, marking a 2% increase compared to 2023. Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain led this wind generation, highlighting the prominent role of these renewable sources in the decarbonization of the European energy system.
United Kingdom: Renewables on the Rise
Renewable energy contributed a significant 47.3% to the energy mix in the United Kingdom, with wind generation at 16.7 TWh, solar at 4.7 TWh, and hydroelectric at 1.1 TWh. Solar generation reached its highest level for a third quarter since 2022, with 4.7 TWh, although it was slightly lower than the 5.1 TWh recorded in the second quarter of 2024.
However, the British quarter showed a decline in total generation, which would have reached 54.3 TWh, due to a combination of lower demand and higher import levels, indicating a 3% decrease compared to the previous quarter and marking the lowest quarterly total since Q3 of 2022.
Generación de energía de Reino Unido, según el reporte de Montel Analytics.
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Decrease in Fossil Fuel Generation
Energy production from fossil fuels in Europe decreased significantly in this quarter, reaching 154.6 TWh, 20% less than in the same period of 2023 and the second-lowest figure recorded in the last nine years. Gas and coal generation fell by 24% and 14%, respectively, reflecting the transition towards a more sustainable European energy system.
Towards a Stronger Energy Transition in Both Regions
The downward trend in fossil generation, alongside peaks in renewable production, signals a progressive energy transition in Europe and the United Kingdom. However, this structural shift also introduces new challenges: the increase in hours with negative or near-zero prices in the European day-ahead market is a sign that renewable capacity has, in many cases, exceeded demand at certain times, especially during hours of peak solar and wind generation.
In the last quarter alone, Finland, Sweden, and Germany recorded hundreds of hours with negative or zero prices, a situation that reflects the urgent need for solutions such as energy storage and more flexible demand management.
Additionally, the United Kingdom faces the challenge of adapting its energy infrastructure, with the recent shutdown of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal plant in Nottinghamshire, which officially marked the end of coal-fired power generation in the region.
This action is a significant milestone that underscores the UK’s commitment to a cleaner energy mix, though it also highlights the need to improve storage and flexible generation capacity to compensate for periods of low renewable production.
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