Elon Musk says wind and solar will solve sustainable energy for Earth

The report the musk was talking about, also, underlines how Europe switched to greener, cleaner energy solutions in 2022 and produced 22% of its electricity needs from wind and solar. This change took place at a time when it was expected that the continent would shift its reliance on coal as a result of an energy crisis.

2022: The year of the energy crisis in Europe

Europe's troubles with energy security began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine last February. The removal of imports could lead to power outages for European countries, most of whom depend heavily on Russian gas. However, continuing to buy gas would also contribute to the progress of Russia towards Kyiv.

As summer began, the continent faced its worst drought in 500 years. Rivers have dried up, and the potential for hydroelectric power has evaporated into the air as well. The supply of nuclear power stations has also suffered from the closure of sites in France for maintenance, while some have had to reduce their production following the drying up of the rivers that cooled them.

To fill in the deficit, as much as 22 million tonnes of coal were bought, Euronews reported. However, only one-third was used for the generation of electricity from wind energy, and solar energy increased.

There are dividends from the solar policy.

When it was really important, it was the long-term policy of governments that worked as opposed to the reflective purchase of fossil fuels. According to the Ember Clean Energy Think Tank, solar energy increased by 24 percent just in 2022, saving the continent about $10 billion in gas import bills.

14% of the Netherlands' needs were supplied by solar energy, ahead of more sunny countries such as Spain to take first place in the share of electricity generated by solar energy. Policies like the net metering system have encouraged residents to use solar energy in addition to energy problems.

22% of the power generated on the continent comes from wind and solar, and 20% from gas. Coal use increased by 1.5% from 2021, representing 16% of the electricity generated.

Energy consumption during the winter months toward the end of the year also remained low as temperatures remained mildly cold, and the cost of living crisis also kept energy demand low, Euronews said in its report.

The year 2023 started on a more positive note for the European Union, with gas production falling by 37 per cent and fossil fuel production estimates falling by 20 per cent. At a time when green goals appeared to be in jeopardy, Europe has become a beacon of transition and even made Musk eat his words about upping the gas and oil outputs to make up for Russian exports last year.