00:01the european union is trying to use less gas and switch to cleaner energy but progress has been
00:08slow in the second quarter of 2026 54.1 percent of the eu's electricity came from renewable energy
00:16such as solar wind and hydropower this was slightly lower than the 54.3 percent recorded
00:23in the same period in 2025 one expert in energy economics and financial analysis tells euronews
00:30that it's important the eu uses a mix of different renewable energy sources a very hot and dry summer
00:38caused low water levels in rivers and reservoirs which reduced hydropower production in several
00:44european countries this is where solar power can help make up for the difference solar power has
00:50already helped the eu avoid about 35.4 billion euros in gas imports since the start of the iran war
00:59however gas powered electricity still increased slightly experts say that this shows that the
01:05eu needs more solar power energy storage and a flexible electricity system so it does not have
01:12to rely on gas when wind or hydropower production is low
