The return to coal-based power generation in some parts of Europe has not prevented strong progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. November's EU emissions were the lowest in at least 30 years, as were gas, carbon consumption in the energy sector and generation of energy from fossil fuels, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The cold on the continent this month, however, may result in the burning of more coal and gas after an exceptionally mild November.

Only a small proportion of the fall in fossil fuel use last month should be attributed to the climate, according to the analysis. Mild temperatures contributed to a 6% reduction in gas demand outside the electricity sector – mainly for heating – while real demand fell by 26 percent, the Guardian reports. In the energy sector, the mildest temperatures may account for two percentage points of the 12% drop in demand, analysts said.

Some member states, including Germany and Poland, have sought a limited return to burning coal for power generation in the face of rising gas prices and supply restrictions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The UK has also put coal-fired power plants on standby.

In November, the EU as a whole used less coal than in the same month last year and the same month in the last three decades. Germany and Poland used less coal than a year ago, although Finland has slightly increased its use of coal.

There have been dramatic reductions in the production of nuclear reactors in Germany and France. In Germany, this was offset by an increase in wind and solar generation, while France substantially reduced its energy demand.

However, this month's cold period, with temperatures about 5°C lower than normal for the time of year, and snow and ice conditions in much of northern Europe, may hinder progress in cutting fossil fuel use this winter.

Source: Um só Planeta