Solar energy becomes EU’s leading electricity source for first time
Solar power has taken the lead in the EU’s electricity generation for the first time in June, accounting for 22.1% of the EU’s electricity, equivalent to 45.4 terawatt hours (TWh), according to a recent report from energy think tank Ember.
Nuclear power followed in second place with 21.8% (44.7TWh), with wind in the third place with 15.8% (32.4 TWh).
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The record-breaking performance of solar power across the EU is attributed to the continuous installation of solar panels in recent years and favourable weather conditions.
At least 13 EU countries set new records for solar generation in the last month.
These achievements have been pivotal in managing the heightened electricity demand during the heatwaves that swept across the continent.
Wind power also started the summer on a strong note, with May and June seeing the highest wind electricity generation for these months, at 16.6% and 15.8% respectively.
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By GlobalDataThis marks a significant recovery from earlier in the year, bolstered by new wind farm capacity, including several large offshore projects.
Coal’s contribution to the EU’s electricity mix dropped to its lowest ever in June 2025 at just 6.1%, or 12.6TWh, a decrease from 8.8% in the same month the previous year.
Germany and Poland, the largest coal power producers in the EU, both recorded historic lows in coal power generation with Germany generating just 12.4% (4.8TWh), and Poland with 42.9% (5.1TWh).
Despite the overall decline in coal usage, fossil fuel generation in the EU experienced a 13% increase in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
This rise was mainly due to a 19% increase in gas generation, which was driven by reduced hydro and wind generation and exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions.
The EU’s electricity demand continues to rise, with a 2.2% increase in consumption during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Europe is set to break its previous year’s solar records, with a 32% increase in generation in the first quarter of 2025, raising its contribution to 8.2% of Europe’s utility-supplied electricity.
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