Solar power overtook coal for the first time ever in the European Union’s electricity production in 2024. According to the latest report from climate think tank Ember, renewables now account for nearly half of the EU’s power sector, with their share rising to 47 percent, up from 34 percent in 2019.

Solar generation contributed 11 percent to the EU’s electricity mix in 2024, an increase from 9.3 percent in the previous year. In contrast, coal’s share fell below 10 percent for the first time since Ember began collecting data in 2011. Gas generation also declined for the fifth consecutive year, dropping to 15.7 percent of total power production.

“The European Green Deal has delivered a deep and rapid transformation of the EU power sector,” stated Ember. The report highlights that strong growth in solar and wind energy has been instrumental in reducing fossil fuel reliance, with fossil-fuelled power dipping to a historic low.

Despite favorable conditions for solar energy, wind power generation remained relatively flat due to less optimal wind conditions compared to 2023. Nevertheless, wind continues to be the second-largest power source in the EU, following nuclear energy, which accounted for 23.7 percent of electricity production.

The report underscores that without the expansion of wind and solar capacity since 2019, the EU would have faced significantly higher fossil fuel imports, costing approximately €59 billion.

Ember’s analysis reveals widespread progress across EU member states in transitioning away from coal. More than half of the countries have either eliminated coal or reduced their share to less than five percent of their energy mix. Chris Rosslowe, lead author of the report, noted that while fossil fuels are losing their grip on European energy, further efforts are needed to bolster wind power and enhance storage capacity for renewable energies.