Renewable energy accounted for 19.5% of the total energy consumption for heating and cooling in the European Union in 2017, according to data presented by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) on Monday.

This represents a significant increase, from 10.3% in 2004.

Expansion in the industrial, service and household sectors has contributed to this growth. The thermal, aerothermal, geothermal and hydrothermal heat captured by the heat pumps is taken into account, if reported by the member states, according to Agerpres.

The highest percentage of total energy consumption for heating and cooling in the EU from renewable sources of over 50% was registered in Sweden in 2017 (69.1%), Finland (54.8%), Latvia (54.6% %), Estonia (51.6%). Followed by Denmark and Lithuania (both 46.5%), Croatia (36.5%), Portugal (34.4%), Slovenia (33.2%), Austria (32%), Bulgaria (29.9%) , Greece and Romania (both 26.6%), Cyprus (24.5%), France (21.3%) and Italy (20.1%).

In contrast, the lowest percentage was registered in the Netherlands (5.9%), Ireland (6.9%) and the United Kingdom (7.5%).