In 2024, solar energy reached a historic milestone in Europe by overtaking coal in electricity generation. According to Ember's European Electricity Review 2025, solar accounted for 11% of the EU's electricity, while coal dropped below 10%. This marks the first time solar has taken the lead, highlighting Europe's push toward clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hungary (25%), Greece (22%), and Spain (21%) were the top three countries for solar share in 2024.

The shift away from coal and gas is part of a larger trend in the EU's energy transition. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation hit a record low, providing only 29% of the EU's electricity in 2024 - down from 39% in 2019. Gas-fired power plants saw their output decline for the fifth consecutive year, contributing to a significant drop in emissions. The EU's power sector emissions have now fallen to less than half of their 2007 peak levels.

The transition away from fossil fuels hasn't just benefited the environment - it's saved the EU billions of euros. By cutting its dependence on imported coal, gas, and oil, the bloc has avoided fossil fuel imports worth nearly €59 billion since 2019. This financial gain highlights the economic advantages of shifting to renewables, particularly as energy security becomes a global priority. The Netherlands leads in solar power per capita with over 1,000 watts per inhabitant, followed by Germany with 816 watts.

Driven by wind and solar, renewables made up 47% of electricity generation in 2024, compared to just 34% in 2019. Solar power has particularly benefited from falling costs, increased policy support, and technological advancements. Wind energy remains another major contributor, cementing its role as the EU's second-largest energy source after nuclear. More than half of EU countries now have either no coal power or a share below 5% in their power mix, showcasing the widespread nature of Europe's energy transformation.