The Swedes lead the European Union’s charge towards renewable energy, according to new figures from EU’s fact body Eurostat.

While almost all member states increased their share of renewable energy in energy consumption between 2010 and 2011, the highest share is to be found in Sweden, Latvia, Finland and Austria.

The Swedes final energy consumption made up of 46.8%, while the Latvians, Fins and Austrians trail with roughly third of their final energy coming from renewables apiece, with respectively 33.1%, 31.8% and 30.9%.

The European Union has a target of generating 20% of its energy from renewable energy by 2020 with different nations contribute different amounts to this, taking into account their size, wealth and resources.

Estonia was the first Member State to exceed its Europe 2020 target, eclipsing its 25% target by 0.9% in 2011, according to Eurostat.

The United Kingdom has a big push ahead if it is to hit a 15% target, with only 3.8% coming from renewables in 2011 although that’s not as woeful as the lowest performers Malta (0.4%) and Luxembourg (2.9%). Belgium (4.1%) and the Netherlands (4.3%) also have a way to go.