Solar energy overtakes coal for the first time in terms of generation in the European Union

Solar generation was the main driver of fossil fuel reduction in 2024. It provided 11.1% of electricity in the EU (304 TWh), overtaking coal (269 TWh) for the first time," the report says. The upward trend in solar energy production is observed in all EU countries.
In 2024, solar and wind energy provided a record 29% of the EU's electricity demand, while gas accounted for 15.7% and coal – for 9.8%. Nuclear power accounted for 23.7% of total electricity production, and hydropower – for 13.2%.
Renewable energy sources already account for almost half (47%) of total electricity production in the EU.
"The surge in wind and solar generation has reduced the EU’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and its exposure to volatile prices since the energy crisis. Ember’s analysis found that without new wind and solar capacity added over the last five years, the EU would have imported an additional 92 billion cubic metres of fossil gas and 55 million tonnes of coal, costing €59 billion," the European Electricity Review clarifies.