The European Union has reached a monumental tipping point in its energy transition. For the first time in history, wind and solar power combined have generated more electricity than fossil fuels across the bloc for a full calendar year. A comprehensive report from the energy think tank Ember confirms that in 2025, renewable sources generated 30 percent of the EU’s electricity, narrowly but decisively surpassing the 29 percent generated by coal and gas.
This achievement signals a permanent structural shift in Europe’s power system. It demonstrates that the deployment of clean technology is successfully displacing traditional carbon-intensive sources, even in years with challenging weather conditions. The data proves that the green transition is robust.
Coal Hits Historic Low Despite Gas Rise
The rise of renewables has pushed coal power to the margins of the European grid. In 2025, coal generation fell to a new historic low of just 9.2% of the EU’s electricity mix. In 19 member states, coal now accounts for less than 5% of power generation, signaling the approaching end of the coal era across the continent.
However, the transition faced headwinds. Unlike previous years, gas generation actually rose by 8% in 2025. This increase was necessary to compensate for a 12% drop in hydropower and a slight dip in wind generation due to unusual weather patterns. Despite this fluctuation, the overall trend of renewables outpacing fossil fuels held firm, driven largely by a massive surge in solar output.
Solar Power Breaks Records
The driving force behind this year’s success was solar energy. Solar generation grew by an astounding 20% in 2025, reaching a record 369 terawatt-hours (TWh). This growth allowed solar to generate 13% of the EU’s total electricity, surpassing both coal and hydro for the first time.
This surge was critical in offsetting the dip in wind and hydro performance. It highlights the importance of a diversified renewable portfolio. As solar capacity continues to expand at this rate, it provides a reliable buffer that ensures the transition continues even when other renewable sources face variability. You can find detailed data on this shift from Ember’s European Electricity Review.
Strengthening Energy Security
The milestone reinforces the EU’s long-term energy security strategy. While the reliance on gas increased temporarily in 2025, the structural dominance of wind and solar is insulating European consumers from the worst effects of global fossil fuel volatility. By generating 30% of power domestically from wind and sun, the EU is reducing its fundamental dependence on imported fuels.
The report also highlights a surge in battery storage deployment, which is beginning to play a key role in meeting peak demand. This technology is essential for reducing gas use in the future, as it allows clean energy to be stored and used when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) tracks how these technologies are reshaping global energy security.
A Model for the Global Transition
Europe’s success serves as a powerful model for other major economies. It demonstrates that it is possible to run a modern, industrial grid where variable renewable energy is the dominant source. The fact that wind and solar overtook fossil fuels in 14 of the 27 EU countries proves this is a region-wide transformation, not just a success for a few wealthy nations.
This progress validates the argument that the era of fossil fuel dominance is ending. The momentum in Europe is a hopeful sign that the global climate goals of the Paris Agreement remain within reach. SolarPower Europe provides industry insights on the continued growth of solar capacity.
Resources
- Ember on European Electricity Review
- European Commission on REPowerEU Strategy
- International Energy Agency (IEA) on Renewable Market Update
- SolarPower Europe on Solar Industry Growth
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