Summary
Solar and wind energy generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the European Union last year. These renewable sources made up 30% of the EU's electricity, slightly surpassing coal and gas. If other renewable sources like hydro and biomass are included, the share of renewables in the EU's electricity rises to 48%.
Key Facts
- Solar and wind power generated 30% of EU electricity, more than coal and gas at 29%.
- Including hydroelectricity and biomass, renewables account for 48% of EU electricity.
- Nuclear energy, which does not emit greenhouse gases, provided 23% of EU power.
- The growth in solar power was partly due to reduced gas supplies from Russia following its conflict with Ukraine.
- Rooftop solar panels have contributed significantly to the increase in solar energy.
- Solar and wind energy have had high growth rates for 23 years, as per the International Energy Agency.
- In Greece, rapid increases in solar capacity led to excess supply, which caused some electricity generation to be curtailed.
- In the U.S., emissions increased 2.4% last year, with President Trump halting the closure of coal plants and pulling back on renewable energy incentives.
