Electricity Generation: A Milestone for Clean Energy

For the first time, solar power outpaced coal as a source of electricity in the European Union last year, signaling a pivotal moment in the shift to cleaner energy. Solar panels accounted for 11% of the EU’s electricity generation in 2024, compared to coal’s 10%, according to a new report from climate think tank Ember.

The decline of coal and the rise of solar mark a significant transformation in Europe’s energy landscape. Fossil gas, another major contributor to emissions, continued its downward trend for the fifth consecutive year, supplying 16% of the region’s electricity mix.

“This is a milestone,” said Beatrice Petrovich, co-author of the report. “Coal, once the backbone of industrial power, is also the dirtiest. Solar energy, on the other hand, is emerging as the power source of the future.”

From Coal to Clean Energy

Coal, long a dominant force in powering Europe’s industrialisation, has seen its use diminish sharply. Since peaking in 2003, coal consumption in the EU’s power sector has dropped by 68%. At the same time, the adoption of renewable energy sources has surged. In 2024, wind and solar combined accounted for 29% of the EU’s electricity generation, supported by a resurgence in hydropower and nuclear energy following setbacks in 2022.

The rapid expansion of solar power has been particularly noteworthy. Despite receiving less sunshine than in previous years, the EU set a record for new solar installations in 2024. This growth in solar capacity is directly reducing reliance on fossil fuels, a trend welcomed by energy analysts.

“It’s encouraging to see that the increase in solar capacity is translating into tangible reductions in fossil fuel use,” said Jenny Chase, a solar expert at BloombergNEF.

Declining Reliance on Coal and Gas

The report highlights a significant reduction in coal usage across the EU. Of the 17 member states still using coal in 2024, 16 reported a decrease in its share of electricity generation. In Germany, the EU’s largest coal consumer, coal’s contribution to the energy mix fell by 17% year-on-year, while in Poland, it declined by 8%.

Fossil gas also experienced a structural decline, with its share of electricity generation falling in 14 of the 26 countries that rely on gas power. This shift comes despite a modest increase in overall electricity demand in 2024, following two years of lower demand linked to the broader energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU’s response to that crisis—focused on reducing energy consumption, diversifying fossil fuel suppliers, and accelerating renewable energy adoption—has proven effective. Gregory Nemet, an energy researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, noted that Europe’s approach has allowed it to capitalise on the cost, security, and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

The Road Ahead

The EU’s renewable energy goals appear increasingly achievable. By the end of 2024, the region had reached 338GW of installed solar capacity, putting it on track to meet its 2025 target of 400GW. If the current pace of growth continues, the EU is well-positioned to achieve its 2030 target of 750GW.

However, the report’s authors stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure to support renewable energy integration. Technologies like batteries, smart meters, and other forms of “clean flexibility” will be critical to aligning the variable supply of renewable energy with demand.

As the EU continues its transition to a cleaner energy future, the rise of solar power and the decline of coal serve as powerful indicators of progress. Europe’s success underscores the potential of renewable energy to transform energy systems while reducing emissions and enhancing energy security.