European Shift to Wind and Solar Power Reduces Fossil Fuel Imports
European countries have significantly reduced their fossil fuel imports by rapidly increasing their wind and solar power capacity. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union accelerated its renewable energy plans, resulting in wind and solar power comprising 30% of electricity supply by 2025, up from 19% in 2021. This shift has led to a dramatic decrease in coal and gas power, with gas generation falling by 15% and coal by 38%. The transition has avoided €72 billion in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, with the largest savings seen in Germany, Spain, and Italy. 
