Wind and sun alone have produced more electricity in the EU than fossil fuels for the first time. Around half of EU electricity production is renewable.
According to an analysis, wind and solar energy generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU for the first time last year. A good 30 percent of the EU electricity mix in 2025 will come from solar and wind energy and 29 percent from coal, gas and other fossil fuels a report from the think tank Ember emerges.
Electricity generation from coal reached a historic low in 2025 with a share of 9.2 percent, Ember continues. However, the EU remains significantly dependent on gas: Compared to 2024, the share of natural gas in the electricity mix has increased to 16.7 percent.
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Overall, renewables – including hydropower and energy from biomass – accounted for almost half of electricity production at 47.7 percent. Another 23.4 percent was generated using nuclear power.
Germany is above the EU average. Renewable energies provided around 68 percent of the electricity. Wind power accounted for around a third and solar energy accounted for 17 percent at the top for the first time. The share of coal is less than 25 percent, while natural gas rose to just over 12 percent.
Warning about fossil dependencies
According to Ember’s report, they could the expansion of battery storagestrengthening the power grids and expanding demand management will enable a higher proportion of solar and wind energy in the energy mix: “This not only increases security of supply, but is also crucial for stable and reliable energy prices.”
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In the report, the authors warn of energy policy blackmail by countries that export fossil fuels, including Russia, which continues to supply some EU countries with natural gas.
Also with a view to the USA the report warns of strong dependencies on individual suppliers. This “endangers the security of the EU and weakens its negotiating position in geopolitical disputes and trade conflicts”. Investments in domestic renewable energy could reduce these risks.
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