**Solar Energy Surpasses Coal in EU for the First Time in 2024: Report**
For the first time in history, solar power has outstripped coal in providing electricity in the European Union (EU), according to a groundbreaking report released by Ember, a leading think tank, on Thursday. The report, titled Ember’s European Electricity Review 2025, revealed that solar energy accounted for 11 percent of the EU’s electricity generation, surpassing coal-fired power plants, which contributed 10 percent to the energy mix. This shift marks a significant milestone in the EU’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.
**The Rise of Solar Power**
Beatrice Petrovich, a senior energy analyst at Ember and co-author of the report, described this achievement as a “milestone” and emphasized the importance of transitioning away from coal, the oldest and dirtiest form of electricity production, towards cleaner alternatives like solar energy. The decline of coal-fired power in the EU has been steady, plummeting by 68 percent since its peak in 2003.
**Clean Energy Revolution**
The report highlighted the increasing prominence of clean energy sources, with solar and wind power accounting for 29 percent of the EU’s electricity generation in 2024. The transition towards renewable energy sources has been pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the reliance on imported fossil fuels.
**Challenges and Opportunities**
Despite facing political and economic challenges, the EU’s electricity sector has continued its transition towards cleaner energy sources. Solar energy emerged as the fastest-growing power source in 2024, surpassing wind power and narrowing the gap with nuclear energy and gas. The report attributed solar’s growth to a record number of new panels, even in regions with less sunshine than in previous years.
**The Path Forward**
While celebrating the progress made in the past decade, the report emphasized the need for accelerated action to meet the EU’s energy goals. The authors called for investments in “clean flexibility” solutions like smart meters and batteries to ensure a seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
**A Bright Future Ahead**
As the EU continues its transition towards a clean energy future, the benefits are far-reaching, including enhanced energy security, reduced emissions, and lower energy costs for consumers. With continued support for wind and solar power, along with smart policy implementation, the EU is poised to lead the way in sustainable energy production.
Through concerted efforts and strategic investments, the EU is on track to achieve its ambitious solar capacity targets, paving the way for a greener, more resilient energy system. As we look towards the future, the possibilities of a clean and sustainable energy future powered by renewables are within our reach.
By staying committed to the transition towards clean energy, the EU can secure a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
