The European Union has reached a significant energy milestone, as solar power surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time. This achievement highlights the EU‘s rapid progress in its transition to renewable energy sources, signaling a future less reliant on fossil fuels.

The Rise of Solar and Renewables in EU Energy Mix

In 2024, solar power generated 11% of the EU’s electricity, overtaking coal, which dropped to below 10%. This marks a crucial turning point in the EU’s energy transition, which has gained momentum since the introduction of the European Green Deal in 2019. The deep transformation of the EU’s power sector has seen fossil fuels lose their dominance, with gas generation also falling for the fifth consecutive year.

Renewables now supply nearly half (47%) of the EU’s electricity, up from 34% in 2019. Solar, wind, and hydropower have driven this change, with wind generation at 17% and solar contributing to a record 22% annual increase in solar generation. As solar power continues to grow, the EU is making strides toward a clean energy future, reducing its vulnerability to fossil price shocks and helping tackle the climate crisis.

Leading Solar Nations and the Path Forward

Solar power is growing across all EU countries, with Hungary, Greece, and Spain leading the charge. In 2024, Hungary generated 25% of its electricity from solar, followed by Greece (22%) and Spain (21%). The EU solar fleet expanded by 66 gigawatts (GW), equivalent to over 450,000 solar panels added each day.

While solar power is increasingly becoming a dominant force, challenges remain. The EU must continue to accelerate its progress in the wind sector to meet future energy goals. An average of 34 GW of wind capacity per year is needed to meet 2030 targets, but current projections fall short. Continued investment in energy storage and smart electrification across industries will also be critical to support the transition.