In June 2025, solar generation became the largest source of electricity in the European Union for the first time, overtaking nuclear and wind power. At the same time, the share of coal in electricity generation fell to a historic low of 6.1%. This is according to data from the Ember think tank.Solar energy provided 22.1% of total electricity generation in the EU (45.4 TWh), a new record. For comparison, in June 2024 this share was 18.9%. This jump is explained by both a record number of sunny days and a steady increase in new photovoltaic installations.
At least 13 EU countries, including Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, recorded the highest solar generation rates on record.Nuclear power generated 21.8% of electricity in June, while wind power generated 15.8%. Coal, on the other hand, continues to lose ground: its share in electricity generation fell to 6.1%, the lowest level in the history of the bloc’s energy system.At the same time, in the first half of 2025, total fossil fuel use increased by 13% year-on-year. This was due to an increase in electricity generation from gas, which compensated for weak hydro and wind generation at the beginning of the year. Electricity demand in the EU in January–June grew by 2.2% year-on-year and reached 1,313 TWh. As a reminder, average monthly wholesale electricity prices in June showed mixed dynamics depending on national markets. The price situation was influenced by gas quotes, fluctuations in the cost of CO₂ emission permits, heat and the generation structure.
Source: https://gmk.center/ua/news/sonyachna-energetika-u-chervni-vpershe-ocholila-energobalans-ies-ember/
