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Solar Power Overtakes Coal in EU Electricity Mix for the First Time

Solar energy has become a larger source of electricity than coal across the European Union (EU) for the first time in 2024, according to a new report published by energy think tank Ember. The study reveals that solar power supplied 11 percent of the EU’s electricity needs last year, while coal dropped below 10 percent. This shift underscores an accelerating transition toward renewable energy within the bloc, contributing to notable declines in fossil fuel usage overall.

A Growing Role for Renewables

The report highlights a steady rise in both solar and wind energy, which have collectively pushed down coal's share of electricity production. After a decade in which coal remained among the top sources of EU electricity, the fossil fuel has now fallen to sixth place. Meanwhile, the EU's solar sector experienced record expansion in 2024. Capacity increased by 66 gigawatts (GW), leading to a 22 percent jump in electricity generation from solar compared to 2023.

"We're witnessing a remarkable transformation," Ember senior analyst and report lead Dr. Chris Rosslowe commented. "Not only has coal's role in the energy mix decreased faster than anticipated, but solar and wind are now making up an ever-greater portion of Europe's electricity supply."

Key Findings and Regional Highlights

  • Solar Expansion: The 66 GW of newly installed solar capacity last year is equivalent to adding more than 450,000 solar panels per day. Many EU member states now rely on solar for over 10 percent of their electricity, with countries like Hungary, Greece, and Spain showing particularly high shares of solar power.

  • Wind Energy: Wind energy continues to grow steadily as well, surpassing natural gas for the second year in a row. Wind now provides 17 percent of the EU's electricity, while gas stands at 16 percent.

  • Fossil Fuel Decline: Overall, fossil fuel-based electricity (coal and gas combined) supplied only 29 percent of the EU's electricity in 2024, down from 39 percent before the European Green Deal was introduced in 2019. Coal consumption has seen the steepest decline, but natural gas use is also trending downward.

Challenges Ahead

Despite this progress, the report cautions that further efforts are essential to sustain and expand the EU's renewable energy gains. It notes that while solar has met or even exceeded expectations, wind energy faces several obstacles—particularly in permitting and infrastructure development. To reach the EU's 2030 climate targets, wind capacity must expand at a faster pace than currently forecasted by organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA).

"Wind has encountered unique bottlenecks in the form of permitting delays, supply chain issues, and competition for land in certain regions," Rosslowe explained. "Without addressing these challenges, the EU may fall short of the wind capacity it needs for the next stage of the transition."

Importance of Grid Modernization and Storage

Experts also stress the need for better grid infrastructure and energy storage solutions. As the share of intermittent renewables like solar and wind grows, ensuring a stable supply of electricity to meet demand peaks becomes increasingly complex. Expanding grid interconnections between member states, deploying large-scale batteries, and implementing smart electrification in sectors such as heating, transport, and heavy industry can help smooth out variability and bolster energy security.

"Greater investment in modern grid technology, along with innovative approaches like demand response and robust storage, is crucial," said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe. "This will allow the EU to maintain the momentum it has built and integrate even higher levels of wind and solar into its electricity mix."

Outlook

While the shift away from coal to solar represents a historic milestone, the report underlines that Europe's energy transition is far from complete. Keeping up with ambitious emissions reduction goals requires sustained policy support, continued technological innovations, and a concerted effort by EU governments and industry players. Nonetheless, the latest data offers hope that the region can move decisively beyond its traditional reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.

"With every additional gigawatt of solar or wind capacity, the EU takes a step closer to a cleaner, more resilient energy system," Rosslowe concluded. "The successes of the past few years show what is possible—now the challenge is to keep that progress going and ensure no one is left behind in the process."