Solar energy accounted for 11% of the European Union’s electricity generation in 2024, overtaking coal’s share, which fell below 10%, according to a report by energy think tank Ember, Anadolu Agency reported.
The report highlighted that solar is growing across all EU countries, with over half now generating less than 5% of their electricity from coal.
Wind energy contributed 17% of the EU’s electricity, while natural gas accounted for 16%. Renewables overall supplied 47% of the bloc’s power, compared to fossil fuels’ 29%, signaling significant progress since the European Green Deal began in 2019, when fossil fuels made up 39% of generation.
The rise in renewable energy, including a recovery in hydropower, prevented the import of 92 billion cubic meters of fossil gas and 55 million tonnes of coal in 2024, saving the EU €59 billion.
Ember’s senior analyst, Chris Rosslowe, noted that while the energy transition has progressed faster than expected, challenges remain, particularly in expanding wind power, which needs to double annual growth by 2030 to meet targets.
