Environment/energy

Solar Power Becomes EU's Top Electricity Source for First Time

JUL 10 2025·Updated JUL 11 2025

Story

Above: A house with solar panels on the roof. Image credit: Unsplash

The Facts

Solar power generated 22.1% of the European Union's electricity in June, marking the first time it became the largest electricity source, surpassing nuclear at 21.8% and wind at 15.8%, according to an analysis released by energy think tank Ember on Thursday.
Ember
Reuters
At least 13 EU countries recorded their highest-ever monthly solar generation in June, including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Slovakia, driven by record sunshine and continued solar installations.
EuroNews
Reuters
Coal's contribution to EU electricity fell to a record low of 6.1% in June, down from 8.8% the previous year. Germany and Poland achieved record monthly lows of 12.4% and 42.9%, respectively, despite generating nearly 80% of the bloc's coal-fired electricity.
World Energy News
Reuters
Germany led European solar power generation with photovoltaic systems feeding 40 terawatt-hours into the grid in the first half of 2025, representing a 30% increase from 30.7 terawatt-hours in the same period the previous year, according to data from the Fraunhofer Institute.
Ember
PV Tech
Despite record solar output, fossil fuel usage in the first half of 2025 increased by 13% compared to the same period last year, driven by a 19% rise in gas generation to compensate for weaker hydro and wind output earlier in the year. Meanwhile, EU electricity demand rose by 2.2%.
Ember
Reuters
Solar power helped stabilize European electricity grids during the late June heat waves when daily power demand increased by up to 14% due to air conditioning usage. On peak days, solar power delivered up to 50 gigawatts in Germany alone, according to Ember's heatwave impact report.
EuroNews
pv magazine International

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Solar power's dominance proves renewable energy can reliably meet Europe's growing electricity needs. Record solar generation helped manage heatwave demand spikes while coal usage plummeted to historic lows. This milestone demonstrates the EU's clear ability to successfully transition to clean, sustainable energy sources, away from fossil fuels.

pv magazine International

EuroNews

Narrative B

Despite record renewable gains, political turbulence threatens to derail Europe’s clean energy future. While solar and wind are booming, national delays, weakened climate plans, and rising opposition put the EU’s transition at risk. The market is advancing — but politics may be backpedaling, and the EU’s energy transition stands at a crossroads.