EnergyBoard displays two percentages that can look similar but answer different questions: the renewable share of electricity generation and renewables as a share of gross final energy consumption.
The electricity mix only covers electricity
On the electricity mix pages, generation is divided between renewables, nuclear and fossil fuels and other sources. The calculation only concerns electricity generated in GWh.
The overall indicator covers far more energy uses
The Renewable energy in Europe ranking uses a broader indicator. It includes gross final energy consumption, covering electricity, heating and cooling, transport and other final uses.
A country can be highly renewable in electricity but less so overall
A power system dominated by wind or hydropower can show a high renewable electricity share while transport still relies heavily on oil products or heating uses substantial gas. The overall renewable percentage will then be lower.
Always ask: “renewables as a percentage of what?”
Why the distinction matters
Comparing both indicators shows whether the energy transition extends beyond the power sector. It is also why EnergyBoard explicitly labels the electricity-hub KPI as renewable electricity.
Move from the concept to the data
EnergyBoard now covers more datasets: each guide links to the most useful Eurostat pages, including the new housing, heating and building indicators.