Wind and solar alone produced more electricity in the EU for the first time than fossil fuels. About half of the EU’s electricity production is renewable.
Wind and solar energy, according to an analysis, produced more electricity in the EU for the first time last year than fossil fuels. About 30 percent of the EU power mix in 2025 came from solar and wind energy, and 29 percent from coal, gas and other fossil fuels, according to a report by the think tank Ember.
Electricity generation from coal reached a historic low of 9.2 percent in 2025, Ember further states. The EU remains heavily dependent on gas, however: compared with 2024, the share of natural gas in the power mix rose to 16.7 percent.
Overall, renewables—including hydropower and energy from biomass—accounted for 47.7 percent of electricity production, almost half. A further 23.4 percent was generated by nuclear power.
Germany, meanwhile, is above the EU average. Renewable energies supplied about 58 percent of the electricity. Wind power accounted for around a third and solar energy for 17 percent, reaching the top for the first time. The share of coal is below 25 percent, while natural gas rose to just over 12 percent.
Warning about fossil dependencies
According to Ember’s report, expanding battery storage, strengthening power grids and widening demand-side management could allow a higher share of solar and wind energy in the energy mix: “This not only increases energy security, but is also crucial for stable and reliable energy prices.”
In the report, the authors warn of energy policy blackmail by countries that export fossil fuels, including, for example, Russia, which continues to supply several EU countries with natural gas.
Also with regard 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 confrontations and trade conflicts.” Investments in domestic renewable energy could reduce these risks.
Correction 2025-01-23: In an earlier version of this text it claimed that renewable energy delivered 68 percent of Germany’s electricity. In fact, it was 58 percent. We apologize for the error.
Together for a Free Press
As a cooperative, we belong to our readers. And our journalism is not only 100% independent from corporate interests, but also freely accessible. All articles we publish are freely available, without a paywall. Especially in these times, classifications and information must be accessible to everyone. Our readers do not have to pay, but know that critical, independent journalism does not arise from nothing. For this, we are very grateful. To ensure we can continue to do our journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 — and with your involvement we can achieve it. Make a stand for the and for the future of our journalism. With only 5 euros you can join!
Now support
