Solar power surpasses coal in EU as renewables hit record high: Report

Solar energy overtook coal in the European Union’s electricity generation for the first time in 2024, with renewables now accounting for nearly half of the bloc’s power sector, according to the European Electricity Review 2025 released by climate think tank Ember on Thursday.

Ember reported a continued decline in fossil fuel use.

The report underscored that gas-fired power generation dropped for the fifth consecutive year and fossil-fueled power reached a “historic low.”

“The European Green Deal has delivered a deep and rapid transformation of the EU power sector,” said the think tank.

Solar energy was the fastest-growing power source in the EU in 2024, while wind power retained its position as the second-largest source of electricity, surpassing gas and ranking just below nuclear energy.

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The share of renewables, including solar and wind power, rose to 47 per cent in 2024, a significant increase from 34 per cent in 2019.

At the same time, fossil fuels’ contribution to the EU energy mix dropped from 39% to 29%. This shift underscores the growing role of renewable energy in meeting the region's electricity demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar power saw widespread adoption across the EU, with all member states reporting progress. Over half of the bloc’s countries have either completely phased out coal — the dirtiest fossil fuel — or reduced its contribution to less than 5 per cent of their energy mix.

Dr Beatrice Petrovich, Senior Energy Analyst at Ember, said: “This new energy system will reduce the bloc’s vulnerability to fossil price shocks, tackle the climate crisis and deliver affordable energy for its households and companies.

"Timely policy action that sustains wind and solar growth, accelerates the deployment of clean flexibility and promotes electrification, will help to secure the future of EU competitiveness.”

Steady growth

Wind energy also experienced steady growth, strengthening its position as a cornerstone of Europe’s renewable energy portfolio.

This transformation aligns with the EU’s ambitious climate goals under the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

The 2024 data highlights the bloc’s continued efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, particularly coal and gas.

The European Electricity Review 2025 underscores that while renewables have reached a record 47 per cent share, further investments and policies will be necessary to sustain this momentum and meet future climate targets.