Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
European Commission - Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Unit E5: Energy
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
L-2920 Luxembourg
European Commission - Eurostat Unit ESTAT.E.5: Energy L-2920 Luxembourg
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
2.1. Metadata last certified
21 March 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
21 March 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
21 March 2024
3.1. Data description
These are data collected via the annual electricity and heat questionnaire and the annual renewables questionnaire, according to Annex B of the Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 on energy statistics. The variables are:
Total capacity (MWe)
Capacity by source of electricity production (MWe)
Capacity by type of generation in power plants using combustible fuels (MWe)
Capacity by type of firing and by type of fuel used in power plants using combustible fuels (MWe)
All reported capacities are broken down by type of supplier (main activity producer or auto-producer) in nrg_inf_epc. For plants based on combustion of fuels the capacity is further divided by type of technology of the generating plant (steam, internal combustion….) in nrg_inf_epct, by type of firing and by type of fuels. The dataset nrg_inf_epcrw offers more detailed renewable fuels.
Total capacity calculated from the aggregation of individual categories coming from each of the datasets could yield slightly different values. indeed, the data come from different sources (different questionnaires) and different use of decimal places and rounding could result in these differences.
A particular case is solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Two types of capacities are displayed: AC and DC. A solar PV system works by capturing sunlight using photovoltaic cells and converting it into DC (direct current) electricity. The DC electricity is then usually converted into AC (alternate current) electricity using an inverter, as most electrical devices and systems use AC power. Therefore, there are differences between the solar PV capacity in DC and in AC. The former is the electrical capacity of the installed panel(s) that generate(s) electricity in DC. The latter is the electrical capacity of the AC side of the DC-AC conversion system, i.e. the maximum AC power the inverter(s) can provide. For calculating the solar PV capacity that contributes to the total electrical capacity of the country, the smallest of the two (AC and DC) is taken into account. If only one of the two is available, then it is that one that contributes to the total electrical capacity of the country.
3.2. Classification system
Energy statistics is an integral part of the European system of statistics. Therefore, they also rely on classifications and nomenclatures developed in other fields.
Classifications, nomenclatures and correspondence tables are available at Eurostat’s classification server RAMON.
The classification of the economic activities both in carrying out the surveys and in presenting the results is in accordance to NACE Rev.2.
Classification of energy products (commodities/carriers) is in general highly consistent with the UN’s International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (especially its chapter 3: “Standard International Energy Product Classification”).
3.3. Coverage - sector
All sectors involved in the production of electricity are covered.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The measurement of the Net Maximum Electrical Capacities on 31st of December is given in MWe. It is broken down as described under point 3.1
Not available - not produced by Eurostat. Specific national information can be found in the national metadata files built on the basis of the national quality reports.
3.7. Reference area
All Member States of the European Union, EFTA-countries (Iceland and Norway), EU candidate countries (Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Turkey) and potential candidate countries (Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/99)). Data for Energy Community Contracting Parties are also available (in addition to countries listed before this covers Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia). The EU and Eurozone aggregates are also shown.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Time series start in 1990 for the vast majority of countries.
3.9. Base period
The concept of base period is not applicable for energy statistics as there is no “index number” or a “constant series”.
Data are collected and displayed in the database in MWe.
The date of reference for capacities is the 31st of December each year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Electrical capacity figures are compiled on the basis of the data collected under the standard collection cycles of the "Energy Statistics Unit" (more concretely, inside the renewables and waste questionnaire and the electricity and heat questionnaire). The relevant energy data collections are regulated since 2008 with the entry-into-force of the Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 on Energy Statistics. Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources.Council Regulation (EURATOM, EEC) no 1588/90 of 11 June 1990 on the transmission of the data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities (OJ No L 151/ 1).
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable. Eurostat does not have any agreements or procedures in place for data sharing of annual energy statistics. Eurostat copyright rules applies: free re-use, both for non-commercial and commercial purposes.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recitals 23-27, 31-32 and Articles 20-26) applies also to energy statistics. It stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidential data are not shown. So far there are no data marked as being confidential.
In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users. Eurostat grants DG Energy of the European Commission pre-release access to energy data for quality assurance reasons.
The concept of microdata is not applicable for energy statistics. No micro data are transmitted to Eurostat for data collected under Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 on energy statistics. All micro data are available only at the level of reporting countries.
Data on electricity production capacity are collected within the framework of the annual electricity and heat questionnaire. Detailed information on the relevant methodology for the annual electricity and heat questionnaire, as well as documentation links can be found in the reporting instructions for the electricity and heat questionnaire, as well as in the instructions for the renewable questionnaire, under Table 3A, point 1 "Net maximum electrical capacity"; http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/energy/methodology/annual
In addition, some other methodological descriptions are is described in the Energy Statistics Manual.
Eurostat carries out quality tests, mainly on the coherency of the provided information. In addition, the questionnaires used for data transmission also have built-in coherency tests.
Electricity and heat capacity data are subject to several validation checks, comparing the production with the production capacity for electricity. If there are any doubts as regards data quality, Eurostat contacts the Member State to provide necessary justifications or corrections.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Annual Electricity production capacities are collected and published by Eurostat in order to:
Provide the Commission with harmonised, reliable and relevant statistical information needed to define, implement, monitor and evaluate Commission policies in the electricity production sector.
Provide the EU institutions, national administrations, enterprises, professional associations and EU citizens with high quality statistical services and products in the field of energy.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Eurostat conducts two types of evaluations that assess Eurostat's performance in general:
Evaluations of the Community Statistical Programmes
The variables ‘Total capacity’ and ‘Capacity by source of electricity production’ are available from all Member States.
Details on electricity plants using combustible fuels are sometimes missing.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Data on electricity production capacity are submitted as a part of the electricity and heat questionnaire (and renewables and wastes questionnaire) employing an internationally agreed methodology. The accuracy of the basic data depends on the quality of the national statistical systems and may vary from country to country.
13.2. Sampling error
Not available – information not produced by Eurostat. Specific national information can be found in the national metadata files built on the basis of the national quality reports.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not available – information not produced by Eurostat. Specific national information can be found in the national metadata files built on the basis of the national quality reports.
Annual energy data (including electricity production capacities) are transmitted from countries to Eurostat 11 months after the end of the reference year and published 13 months after the reference year.
14.2. Punctuality
The legal deadline for disseminating annual energy statistics is the 31 of January. In recent years, Eurostat disseminated datasets in Eurobase (including electrical capacity data) around the legal deadline.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Energy domain provides highly comparable annual energy statistics. Eurostat verifies, to the extent possible, if the reported data respect the prescribed methodology. The underlying data collection methods are however the responsibility of the reporting countries. The methodology for reporting energy statistics is harmonised for all European countries (EU Member States, EFTA countries, EU Candidate Countries, Energy Community Contracting Parties) and also with the OECD energy statistics. In general, the energy statistics compiled by Eurostat is coherent with the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission in 2011.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Comparability over time is ensured with a solid methodology harmonised on international level that is stable over long periods. Occasional breaks in time series are present due to the developments of statistical systems on national level and the level of detailed information (micro data) available at national level.
In general comparability is very high in last 10 years and for older periods slowly decreasing. In addition, introduction of new statistical information in the most recent data collections can lead to breaks in series until information is compiled and provided by reporting countries.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not available - information not produced by Eurostat.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Data are checked in detail for internal consistency/coherence in full cooperation with the countries concerned. Details checks involve the consistency of time series, detection of outliers and also checks on utilization factors.
Not available - information not produced by Eurostat.
The revision practice effectively corresponds to the revision practice of the domain, as listed under sub‑concept 17.1 (data revision – policy).
Reported errors are assessed for seriousness to determine whether they should trigger a correction of already disseminated data. When relevant, reported errors are corrected in the disseminated data as soon as the correct data have been validated.
Data may be published even if they are missing for certain countries or flagged as provisional or of low reliability for certain countries. They are replaced with final data once transmitted and validated. European aggregates are updated for consistency with new country data. Whenever new data are provided and validated, the already disseminated data are updated either right away or with the next regular production cycle, depending on the impact of the change.
Time series breaks caused by major revisions are flagged. Whenever feasible, back-calculation is applied to provide break-free data.
Major revisions are pre-announced using the revision pre-announcement form. They are also documented in the validation exchanges with countries (available in Ares). In addition, major revisions (those with a visible impact on policy indicators) and their impact are analysed by asking countries for more information and by reflecting on its impact on major policy indicators. They are communicated e.g. via the relevant Statistics Explained article.
18.1. Source data
Data are obtained from the National Administrations competent for energy statistics. Depending on the reporting country and the specific monthly process, the data providers can be:
National Statistical Institutes
Ministries
Energy Agencies
Professional Associations
Questionnaires in standardized electronic format are collected from the national authorities via data transmission over the Internet. Data files have to be transmitted by the Member States to Eurostat via the Single Entry Point (SEP) following the implementing procedures of eDAMIS (electronic Data files Administration and Management Information System).
More information can be found in the national metadata files build on the basis of the national quality reports.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual
18.3. Data collection
All data transfers to Eurostat come via Single Entry Point of data, which is currently implemented by EDAMIS.
For national practices:
National competent authorities collect the data by using census, surveys, administrative data, association's data, customs data and also by modelling including interpolation and extrapolation. Even estimates are occasionally submitted if real data is not available. The mixture of sources differs between countries. More information can be found in the national metadata files build on the basis of the national quality reports.
For Eurostat:
The annual data cycle starts in July-August for the previous year's data by sending to reporting countries pre-filled annual energy questionnaires (email with MS Excel files attached). Starting in September, countries provide new data for the latest reference year and possible revisions for historical time periods. The legal deadline is 30 November. Data corrections and data revisions can arrive until April due to ongoing discussions on data validation issues and this might result in changes in disseminated data.
18.4. Data validation
Energy data are subject to several validation checks, among which the time series checks, the consistency & completeness checks, plausibility checks, utilization factor checks and others corresponding to levels 0-3, as indicated in the Validation Manual for energy statistics. Validation on levels 4-5 is not consistently performed.
If there are any doubts as regards data quality, Eurostat contacts the Member State to provide necessary justifications or corrections.
18.5. Data compilation
Countries report to Eurostat basic data in the relevant units as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 on energy statistics. For electrical capacities, Member States report to Eurostat basic data in MWe. Country aggregations, such as EU-28 and the Euro area, are formed by the aggregation of data from individual countries.
18.6. Adjustment
No adjustments of data are performed in a systematic way. However, since few countries were not able to report the full set of variables (see 12.3), Eurostat had to estimate these capacities (especially for old time periods). Because electrical capacity figures are rather stable, the main method for estimating is to use the figure of the previous year.
Not available
These are data collected via the annual electricity and heat questionnaire and the annual renewables questionnaire, according to Annex B of the Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008 on energy statistics. The variables are:
Total capacity (MWe)
Capacity by source of electricity production (MWe)
Capacity by type of generation in power plants using combustible fuels (MWe)
Capacity by type of firing and by type of fuel used in power plants using combustible fuels (MWe)
All reported capacities are broken down by type of supplier (main activity producer or auto-producer) in nrg_inf_epc. For plants based on combustion of fuels the capacity is further divided by type of technology of the generating plant (steam, internal combustion….) in nrg_inf_epct, by type of firing and by type of fuels. The dataset nrg_inf_epcrw offers more detailed renewable fuels.
Total capacity calculated from the aggregation of individual categories coming from each of the datasets could yield slightly different values. indeed, the data come from different sources (different questionnaires) and different use of decimal places and rounding could result in these differences.
A particular case is solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Two types of capacities are displayed: AC and DC. A solar PV system works by capturing sunlight using photovoltaic cells and converting it into DC (direct current) electricity. The DC electricity is then usually converted into AC (alternate current) electricity using an inverter, as most electrical devices and systems use AC power. Therefore, there are differences between the solar PV capacity in DC and in AC. The former is the electrical capacity of the installed panel(s) that generate(s) electricity in DC. The latter is the electrical capacity of the AC side of the DC-AC conversion system, i.e. the maximum AC power the inverter(s) can provide. For calculating the solar PV capacity that contributes to the total electrical capacity of the country, the smallest of the two (AC and DC) is taken into account. If only one of the two is available, then it is that one that contributes to the total electrical capacity of the country.
21 March 2024
The measurement of the Net Maximum Electrical Capacities on 31st of December is given in MWe. It is broken down as described under point 3.1
Not available - not produced by Eurostat. Specific national information can be found in the national metadata files built on the basis of the national quality reports.
All Member States of the European Union, EFTA-countries (Iceland and Norway), EU candidate countries (Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Turkey) and potential candidate countries (Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/99)). Data for Energy Community Contracting Parties are also available (in addition to countries listed before this covers Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia). The EU and Eurozone aggregates are also shown.
The date of reference for capacities is the 31st of December each year.
Data on electricity production capacity are submitted as a part of the electricity and heat questionnaire (and renewables and wastes questionnaire) employing an internationally agreed methodology. The accuracy of the basic data depends on the quality of the national statistical systems and may vary from country to country.
Data are collected and displayed in the database in MWe.
Countries report to Eurostat basic data in the relevant units as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 on energy statistics. For electrical capacities, Member States report to Eurostat basic data in MWe. Country aggregations, such as EU-28 and the Euro area, are formed by the aggregation of data from individual countries.
Data are obtained from the National Administrations competent for energy statistics. Depending on the reporting country and the specific monthly process, the data providers can be:
National Statistical Institutes
Ministries
Energy Agencies
Professional Associations
Questionnaires in standardized electronic format are collected from the national authorities via data transmission over the Internet. Data files have to be transmitted by the Member States to Eurostat via the Single Entry Point (SEP) following the implementing procedures of eDAMIS (electronic Data files Administration and Management Information System).
More information can be found in the national metadata files build on the basis of the national quality reports.
Annual energy data (including electricity production capacities) are transmitted from countries to Eurostat 11 months after the end of the reference year and published 13 months after the reference year.
Energy domain provides highly comparable annual energy statistics. Eurostat verifies, to the extent possible, if the reported data respect the prescribed methodology. The underlying data collection methods are however the responsibility of the reporting countries. The methodology for reporting energy statistics is harmonised for all European countries (EU Member States, EFTA countries, EU Candidate Countries, Energy Community Contracting Parties) and also with the OECD energy statistics. In general, the energy statistics compiled by Eurostat is coherent with the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission in 2011.
Comparability over time is ensured with a solid methodology harmonised on international level that is stable over long periods. Occasional breaks in time series are present due to the developments of statistical systems on national level and the level of detailed information (micro data) available at national level.
In general comparability is very high in last 10 years and for older periods slowly decreasing. In addition, introduction of new statistical information in the most recent data collections can lead to breaks in series until information is compiled and provided by reporting countries.
