EU Turns Wind and Sun into Powerhouses, Casting Fossil Fuels in the Shade

In 2025, the European Union generated more electricity from wind and solar energy than from fossil fuels. This comes from a fresh report by the analytical center, Ember. Wind and solar energy accounted for a combined 30% of electricity in the EU, setting a new record and surpassing fossil fuels, which made up 29%.

As observed from the chart, the share of wind and solar energy has grown actively, yet gradually. Fossil fuel production had sharply declined a couple of years ago, and last year its share barely changed. However, as wind and solar shares rose, a significant milestone was reached. The report states that last year’s growth mainly stemmed from solar energy, which saw a 20% increase. Its share stands at 13%, surpassing coal and hydroelectricity. Overall, renewable sources now provide nearly half of all electricity in the EU (48%).

Speaking of country-specific statistics, in 14 out of 27 countries, wind and solar energy have outpaced fossil fuels. Recent investments in technology and infrastructure have bolstered this growth, with countries like Germany and France leading the charge in adopting cutting-edge renewable technologies. Experts suggest that 2026 could see a further increase in renewable energy capacity as policies continue to favor sustainable energy transitions. Market analysts predict this shift will significantly impact energy prices and employment in the green sector. Industry representatives note, “The EU’s commitment to renewables is a promising step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050.” Such transformations are expected to create new economic opportunities and enhance energy security across the continent.