The EU imported 57% of the available energy in 2024, while renewables became the main source of domestic production.

The European Union imported 57% of the available energy in 2024, while renewable sources became the main source of domestic production, according to data published by Eurostat.

In short

The EU produced 43% of its own energy in 2024, while 57% was imported. Petroleum products accounted for 38% of the available energy in the EU, followed by natural gas at 21%. Renewables represented 48% of domestic energy production, becoming the main source. Petroleum products remained the main component of final energy consumption, with 37%. Transport accounted for 31% of the EU's final energy consumption.

Data for 2024 show a combination of high external dependence and changes in the structure of energy production in the European Union. Overall, the EU produced 43% of its own energy and imported 57%, meaning that almost three-fifths of the available energy came from outside the bloc.

In the available energy mix in the EU, petroleum products remained the dominant category, at 38%, followed by natural gas at 21%, energy from renewable sources at 20%, nuclear energy at 12%, and solid fuels at 10%.

The differences between member states are significant. The share of petroleum products in available energy was highest in Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg. Natural gas had a significant share in Italy, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Ireland, while renewables dominated in Sweden, Latvia, and Denmark. Nuclear energy had a high share in France and Slovakia, while solid fuels remained important in Estonia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

In domestic energy production, renewables became the main source, accounting for 48% of the total, followed by nuclear energy at 28%, solid fuels at 15%, natural gas at 5%, and biomass at 3%.

The structure of production varies considerably between member states. Renewables account for almost all energy production in some states, such as Malta, Latvia, Portugal, and Cyprus. Nuclear energy dominates production in France and Slovakia, while solid fuels are the main source in Poland and Estonia. Natural gas has the highest share in Romania and the Netherlands.

The EU's energy imports are dominated by oil and petroleum products, which accounted for 67% of total imports, followed by natural gas at 24%, solid fossil fuels at 4%, electricity at 3%, and renewable energy at 2%.

In terms of final consumption, petroleum products remained the main sources of energy used, with a share of 37%, followed by electricity at 23% and natural gas and manufactured gas at 20%. Direct use of renewable energy accounted for 12% of final consumption.

At the sectoral level, transport accounted for the largest share of the EU's final energy consumption, at 31%, followed by households at 27%, industry at 25%, and commercial and public services at 13%.

The energy structure of the Union reflects a transition underway between traditional sources and those with lower emissions. Renewables have become the main source of domestic energy production, yet dependence on imports and the dominant role of petroleum products in final consumption indicate that the transformation of the European energy system remains incomplete and varies significantly between member states.