Solar energy generation in the EU has for the first time surpassed coal combustion, according to Ember.

Solar energy generation in the European Union has for the first time surpassed generation from coal combustion.

This was reported by the analytical center Ember.

It is noted that in 2024, solar energy accounted for 11.1% of electricity in the EU (304 TWh), outpacing coal (269 TWh).

“Solar energy has become the main factor in reducing fossil fuel use in 2024,” the report states.

The trend of increasing solar energy usage has been observed across all EU countries. The study indicates that maintaining the current growth rates will bring the EU closer to achieving its goal of 750 GW of solar energy by 2030.

“The growth rates observed in 2024 already exceed the latest national targets, highlighting the gap between the rapid development of local market trends and the slow response of governments to update their goals. Installed solar capacity reached 338 GW in 2024, and if current rates are maintained, the EU is on track to meet the interim REPowerEU target of 400 GW of total installed capacity by 2025,” the statement adds.

It is specified that solar and wind met 29% of electricity demand in the EU, gas provided 15.7%, and coal accounted for 9.8%. Nuclear energy made up 23.7% of total electricity production, while hydropower contributed 13.2%. Overall, in 2024, the share of renewable sources reached 47%.

Background. Previously, Mind reported that DTEK secured 450 million euros for upgrading wind power plants. The plan is to increase the power of the station fourfold.