Solar energy becomes Europe's main source of electricity

Newly released data from the think tank Ember shows that by June 2025, solar power became the main source of electricity in the European Union.

The sector was responsible for 22,1% of total generation, surpassing nuclear energy (21,8%) and wind energy (15,8%), thanks to the accumulation of installations and sunnier weather conditions

More than a dozen countries posted monthly solar generation records. The Netherlands reached an impressive 40,5%, followed by Germany, Greece, and others, reflecting both the expansion of installed capacity and a heat wave that increased electricity demand.

Meanwhile, coal use plummeted to a historic low of 6,1% of the EU's electricity mix — a significant drop compared to the previous year (8,8%). Germany and Poland, which account for about 79% of the bloc's coal generation, also saw national lows for the month.

Wind power also hit new highs, accounting for 15,8% in June, driven by newly commissioned wind farms reversing a weak start to the year.

With rapid growth in the solar sector, Europe is preparing for the photovoltaic revolution

Even with the renewable boom, the use of fossil fuels in the first half of 2025 it rose 13% — driven mainly by a 19% increase in gas generation — to compensate for periods of low wind and hydro production.

A Ember also points out that integrating battery storage and improving grid flexibility are essential steps to extend the use of renewable energy throughout the day, especially at peak demand, and further reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

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