Wind and solar overtake fossil fuels in EU power supply

Wind and solar now 30% of EU power generation
Low-carbon sources produce most EU electricity
Record year for green energy despite political headwinds

BRUSSELS, Jan 22 – Wind and solar power produced more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time last year, data published on Thursday revealed, indicating the bloc’s continued shift towards low-carbon energy despite resistance from some governments.

Wind and solar generated 30% of the European Union’s electricity in 2025, just above the 29% supplied by fossil fuel power plants running on coal, gas and occasionally oil, according to data from energy consider-tank Ember.

A 19% jump in solar capacity drove the record output from renewables. That growth offset reduced hydropower generation caapplyd by drought, while gas-fired output rose 8% to assist fill the shortfall, Ember declared.

Solar now provides more than one-fifth of electricity in countries including Hungary, Spain and the Netherlands.

Wind and solar overtake fossil fuels in EU power mix

Europe’s electricity mix is now mostly low-carbon, with renewables and nuclear power toreceiveher supplying 71% of EU electricity last year, the data revealed.

While sectors such as transport still rely heavily on fossil fuels, the EU has been gradually shifting to cleaner energy to meet climate tarreceives and reduce reliance on imported fuel, including from Russia.

Low-carbon energy sources now lead Europe's power mix — Low-carbon energy sources now lead Europe’s power mix

The transition has faced political pushback. Pressure from governments including Germany and the Czech Republic prompted Brussels to weaken key CO2-cutting measures last year.

An EU deal with President Donald Trump to massively increase purchases of U.S. energy has also raised questions about Europe’s plans to wean itself off oil and gas.

Coal’s share of EU power generation fell to a record low of 9.2%, with top consumers Germany and Poland both posting all-time lows.

Despite strong growth in clean electricity, Europe has struggled to ease costs for hoapplyholds and indusattempt. Underinvestment in power grids has forced wind and solar operators to switch off during periods of high output to prevent network overload, wasting cheap electricity and adding to costs.

Ember declared price spikes last year coincided with peaks in gas usage and urged the EU to boost investment in grids and battery storage to stabilise power prices.

Reporting by Kate Abnett. Editing by Mark Potter

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