Europe’s Renewable Energy Revolution: A Turning Point?
The European Union has reached a significant milestone: renewable energy sources – primarily wind and solar – are now generating more electricity than fossil fuels. Recent analysis from the energy think tank Ember reveals that in 2025, wind and solar accounted for 30% of the EU’s power mix, surpassing the 29% generated by coal, oil, and gas. When including hydropower, renewables collectively powered nearly half of the continent.
Solar Power’s Explosive Growth
The surge in solar power is particularly noteworthy. Countries like Hungary, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands are already deriving over 20% of their electricity from solar alone. This growth isn’t isolated; solar capacity is increasing across all EU member states. Simultaneously, coal-fired power generation is in decline, with 19 European nations now relying on coal for less than 5% of their electricity. Ireland and Finland are set to completely phase out coal power plants this year, further accelerating this trend.
The Natural Gas Balancing Act
However, the transition isn’t without its challenges. Droughts linked to climate change have reduced hydropower output, leading to increased reliance on natural gas to fill the gap. This dependence on gas is a concern, as it leaves the EU vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical instability. Beatrice Petrovici, an analyst at Ember, emphasizes the need to “drastically reduce reliance on expensive imported natural gas,” highlighting its impact on energy prices.
Battery Storage: The Key to Evening Power
A promising solution is emerging in the form of battery storage. In regions with high power demand and reduced solar output during the early evening, pre-charged batteries are increasingly being used to supply electricity. This trend, if accelerated, could significantly reduce gas demand during peak hours and stabilize electricity prices. The UK’s National Grid, for example, has seen a substantial increase in battery storage capacity connected to its network in recent years, demonstrating the viability of this approach. National Grid ESO reports a significant increase in battery storage capacity.
Beyond Europe: Global Implications
Europe’s shift isn’t happening in isolation. Similar trends are unfolding globally. China is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, and the United States is incentivizing solar and wind power through policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that renewable energy will account for almost 95% of the increase in global power capacity through 2026. IEA Renewables 2023 report provides detailed global data.
The Role of Green Hydrogen
Looking further ahead, green hydrogen – produced using renewable energy – is poised to play a crucial role in decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport. The EU is actively promoting the development of a hydrogen economy through initiatives like the Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe. Pilot projects are already underway to demonstrate the feasibility of using green hydrogen in steelmaking and aviation.
Challenges Remain: Grid Infrastructure and Intermittency
Despite the positive momentum, significant challenges remain. Upgrading grid infrastructure to accommodate the influx of renewable energy is essential. Intermittency – the variable nature of wind and solar power – requires sophisticated grid management techniques and energy storage solutions. Furthermore, ensuring a just transition for workers and communities reliant on fossil fuel industries is paramount.
FAQ
- What percentage of EU electricity comes from renewables? Approximately 50% when including hydropower, and 30% from wind and solar alone (as of 2025).
- Is coal power disappearing in Europe? Yes, it is rapidly declining, with many countries phasing it out completely.
- What is the role of natural gas in the energy transition? It’s currently used to balance the grid when renewable sources are insufficient, but the EU aims to reduce its reliance on gas.
- What is green hydrogen? Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, offering a clean fuel alternative for various applications.
Explore more insights on renewable energy trends at Ember’s website.
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