Solar energy in the EU has for the first time surpassed coal in generation.

According to the Ember analytical center, solar energy has for the first time in the history of the European Union exceeded the electricity generation from coal. In 2024, the sun provided 11.1% of electricity in the EU, amounting to 304 TWh, while coal provided 269 TWh. Solar energy played a leading role in reducing the use of hydrocarbons in 2024. This trend has affected all EU countries.

The energy from the sun and wind satisfied 29% of electricity demand, gas contributed 15.7%, while coal accounted for 9.8%. Nuclear power contributed 23.7%, and hydropower contributed 13.2% to the total electricity generation. In 2024, renewable sources constituted 47% of the total electricity generation.