European Solar Power Achieves Historic Milestone, Becoming EU's Largest Electricity Source Amidst Record Heatwave
Key Insights
Solar power supplied a record 22 percent of the EU's electricity in June, marking the first time it became the bloc's largest source of power.
At least 13 EU countries, including the Netherlands and Greece, saw solar output reach new monthly highs, exceeding 40% and 35% of generation respectively.
The surge in solar generation helped mitigate grid strain and prevent blackouts during Europe's warmest June on record, characterized by severe heatwaves.
Coal generation dropped to a new monthly low of 6 percent, with 15 EU countries now operating coal-free, signaling a significant shift in the energy mix.
For the first time in history, solar power emerged as the European Union's leading source of electricity in June, supplying a record 22 percent of the bloc's total power generation. This landmark achievement, highlighted by an analysis from energy think tank Ember, underscores the accelerating pace of Europe’s renewable energy transition and its growing reliance on clean energy sources amidst challenging climatic conditions.
June saw at least 13 EU member states achieve new monthly highs for solar output. Notably, solar accounted for over 40 percent of generation in the Netherlands and 35 percent in Greece, showcasing the widespread integration and effectiveness of photovoltaic systems across diverse geographies. Following solar, nuclear power was the second largest electricity source, trailed by wind, natural gas, and hydropower, indicating a significant shift in the traditional energy mix.
Conversely, coal-fired generation plummeted to a new monthly low of just 6 percent of the EU’s electricity, reflecting a decisive move away from fossil fuels. Fifteen EU countries are now entirely coal-free, including Austria, Belgium, and Ireland, which decommissioned its last coal plant last month. This rapid decline in coal reliance is a testament to the success of national and EU-level decarbonization policies.
The surge in solar power proved instrumental in helping Europe navigate a severe heatwave in June, which saw temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) in some regions. Solar generation, peaking at midday, directly coincided with the highest demand for air conditioning, effectively easing strain on the grid and preventing potential blackouts. Pawel Czyzak, an analyst at Ember, emphasized the critical role of solar, stating, “Heat waves will not go away – they will only get more severe in the future. Luckily, there is no lack of sunshine during heat waves.”
This record-breaking June, which was also the warmest on record for Europe, further highlights the intertwined challenges of climate change and energy security. The robust performance of solar power during this period reinforces its position as a reliable and essential component of a resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure, capable of meeting peak demand while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.