In Europe, penetration rates of no-carbon generation have increased to 56% from 50% in recent years, as nations plan to achieve renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets.
The EIA said increasing levels of renewable generation, along with nuclear, indicates that many European nations produce a large share of their energy from no-carbon sources.
Geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, tidal, and wind sources do not release carbon dioxide emissions.
The share of no-carbon generation in European nations is estimated to continue to increase in the coming years.
The European Union’s 2020 Climate and Energy Package targets reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in the share of electricity consumption produced from renewable sources.
Eighteen countries produce about one-third of their generation from no carbon sources, and 13 generate at least half in 2002.
France, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland have each produced over 90% of their net electricity from no-carbon sources in 2012, and eight other nations had no-carbon electricity accounting for about 50% of their generation.
The US generated 32% of its electricity from no-carbon sources in 2012.
The EIA said the countries in Europe generate majority of their no-carbon electricity from nuclear and hydroelectric sources, along with a small portfolio of other renewables.
