EU Carbon Emissions Rise as Wind Drought Increases Fossil Fuel Dependence

European Union carbon emissions have increased nearly 11% year-to-date due to reduced wind power output, according to Independent Commodity Intelligence Services. If low wind conditions persist through winter, this could mark the first annual emissions increase since 2022.

Germany, in particular, is seeing its highest gas-fired power generation in over a decade, and coal usage has also contributed to the emissions rise. A 20% emissions cut over the remaining months of the year would be needed to avoid an annual increase, according to Agora Energiewende.

Although wind levels slightly recovered in May, forecasts suggest calm wind conditions will continue into early summer, with uncertain patterns in the latter half of the year. This volatility underscores the challenge of relying on intermittent renewables to meet EU’s 2040 decarbonization targets.