Climate change boosts solar energy potential – study

Climate change boosts solar energy potential – study shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

In 2022, Europe had 130 more hours of sunshine than average

The Copernicus annual climate report showed that weather conditions behind severe heat waves are increasing the potential for solar energy production in the EU.

This could stimulate the production of "green" energy in countries not traditionally considered to be rich in solar resources, The Washington Post reports.

The report highlighted that the European continent has warmed almost twice as much on average as the rest of the globe since pre-industrial times. This causes dangerous heatwaves and droughts, but increases the potential of solar energy.

It is noted that in 2022, Europe had 130 more hours of sunshine than the average. The largest increase in sunshine hours was observed in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as in South-Eastern Europe.

The article emphasized that in the past, aerosol air pollutants helped form clouds. However, Europe's efforts to reduce emissions have also helped reduce cloud cover.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, the annual report of the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA showed that in 2022 the global capacity of green energy increased by 9.6% (295 GW) and reached 3,372 GW.

Related
They want to surround the Doomsday Iceberg with a 150-meter wall. Why?
They want to surround the Doomsday Iceberg with a 150-meter wall. Why?

If a glacier the size of Britain melts, sea levels will rise by as much as 65 cm

The sense of security is false: economic models underestimate climate change
The sense of security is false: economic models underestimate climate change

In the summer of 2025 alone, Europe lost at least €43 billion due to weather disasters

Climate inequality: wealth and health levels affect heat resilience
Climate inequality: wealth and health levels affect heat resilience

Effective cooling systems are unaffordable for 38% of respondents

Fighting climate fakes: EU adopts declaration to protect information
Fighting climate fakes: EU adopts declaration to protect information

More than half of Europeans say the media does not provide them with enough clear and accurate information about climate change