EU Gets Nearly Half of Its Electricity from Solar and Renewables

A new report shows that a record 47% of the European Union’s electricity now comes from solar power and other renewable sources. This marks a big shift away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which are still major energy sources in countries like the United States and China.

In the EU, nearly three-quarters of electricity is now produced without releasing harmful gases into the air. About 24% of the EU’s electricity comes from nuclear power, which also doesn’t create greenhouse gases. This is much higher than in countries like the U.S. and China, where a large portion of energy still comes from fossil fuels.

Experts are encouraged by Europe’s progress in reducing fossil fuel use, especially as the U.S. moves in the opposite direction. The U.S. has plans to focus on cheaper gas and has paused wind projects and electric vehicle incentives.
In 2024, solar power generated 11% of the EU’s electricity, surpassing coal for the first time. Wind power also generated more electricity than gas for the second year in a row.

One reason Europe is moving quickly toward clean energy is the European Green Deal, passed in 2019. This ambitious policy aims to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and make Europe climate neutral by 2050. Since the deal, Europe’s use of clean energy has grown, while fossil fuel use has dropped.

The shift to renewable energy was also sped up by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which caused gas prices to soar. As a result, European countries have been looking for cheaper and cleaner energy options. Since 2019, Europe has saved over $61 billion by using less fossil fuel for electricity.