Solar Tops Europe's Power Mix

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Solar power became Europe's largest source of power for the first time in June while coal-fired power dropped to an all-time low.

Data from energy think tank Ember (London, England) noted that solar was the largest power source in the European Union (EU) in June, generating 22.1% - or 45.4 terawatt-hours (TWh) - of EU electricity. It represented an increase of 22% from June 2024, with 13 EU nations recording a new solar power record for the period. Solar generation was followed closely by nuclear power in second place with 21.8% (44.7 TWh) and wind in third with 15.8% (32.4 TWh). Windfarms generated 16.6% (33.7 TWh) and 15.8% (32.4 TWh) of EU electricity in May and June respectively, the highest amounts ever in these months. It marked a turnaround from relatively poor wind conditions at the start of the year. Coal fell to a record low in June as a result of high renewable-energy generation, with a 6.1% share (12.6 TWh) of EU electricity in June 2025, down from 8.8% in June 2024. The two countries that account for the vast majority of EU coal power (79% in June) both saw record lows in June, with Germany generating 12.4% (4.8 TWh) of its power from coal, and Poland 42.9% (5.1 TWh).

"Europe is becoming a solar powerhouse," said Chris Rosslowe, senior energy analyst at Ember. "European nations are harnessing the abundant resources of sunshine and wind like never before. The growth of low-cost renewables is gradually getting Europe's energy system off the rollercoaster of fossil energy prices. The big opportunity now comes from adding battery storage and flexibility to extend the use of renewable power into mornings and evenings, where fossil fuels still set high power prices."

It found that the rash of solar records are largely a result of continuing installations of solar in recent years, alongside stretches of hot and sunny weather. Industrial Info is tracking more than 4,000 solar power projects in Europe worth more than US$176 billion in potential investment. France is leading the way with more than US$30 billion of projects planned followed closely by the U.K. (US$29 billion) and Spain (US$24 billion). Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports.

On the battery energy storage system (BESS) front, Europe has been experiencing a major surge. Europe recorded another record year for growth in 2024 in BESS, up 15% with 21.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of BESS installed, bringing the region's total battery fleet to 61.1 GWh. There was an expected slowdown in the residential sector, according to the European Market Outlook for Battery Storage report from solar industry association SolarPower Europe, but the dip has been offset by strong growth in utility-scale BESS, which now accounts for 40% of the market. This year, utility-scale storage will take the lead and continue to dominate the sector going forward. Industrial Info is tracking more than 1,500 European utility-scale BESS projects worth more than US$112 billion in investment. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports. For additional information, see May 26, 2025, article - Record Year for Europe's Battery Storage Market.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).