In a historic milestone for Europe’s clean energy transition, solar power eclipsed coal in the continent’s electricity generation mix for the first time in 2024. According to a groundbreaking report from climate think tank Ember, solar energy accounted for 11% of the European Union’s electricity last year, surpassing coal’s 10% share. This remarkable shift marks a significant step forward in Europe’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
The Rise of Solar: A Clean Energy Revolution
The rapid ascent of solar power in Europe’s energy landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite receiving less sunshine compared to the previous year, the EU witnessed a record-breaking deployment of new solar panels in 2024. This expansion in solar capacity translated into a substantial reduction in fossil fuel reliance, particularly coal.
Solar is the rising star. Coal is the oldest way of producing electricity, but also the dirtiest.
– Beatrice Petrovich, Co-author of the Ember report
The report highlights that solar energy has become the fastest-growing power source in Europe, with its share in the electricity mix increasing at an unprecedented pace. This growth can be attributed to favorable policies, declining technology costs, and a growing awareness of the urgent need to combat climate change.
Coal’s Decline: A Fossil Fuel in Retreat
As solar power rises, coal-fired electricity generation continues its steady decline across Europe. The Ember report reveals that coal’s share in the EU power sector fell in 16 out of the 17 countries that still relied on it in 2024. Even in Germany and Poland, the two largest coal consumers in Europe, the shift towards cleaner energy sources was evident, with coal’s share dropping by 17% and 8%, respectively.
This decline in coal usage is a testament to Europe’s commitment to phasing out the most polluting fossil fuels and embracing renewable alternatives. The structural decline of coal in the electricity mix not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality and public health.
The Path Forward: Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition
While the rise of solar power and the decline of coal are certainly cause for celebration, Europe must maintain its momentum to achieve its ambitious clean energy targets. The Ember report suggests that the EU is on track to meet its goal of 400GW of installed solar capacity by 2025, having reached 338GW in 2024. However, to reach the 2030 target of 750GW, the current pace of growth must be sustained.
To facilitate this transition, investments in energy storage solutions, smart grids, and demand-side management technologies will be crucial. These “clean flexibility” measures will help balance the variable nature of renewable energy sources and ensure a stable, reliable electricity supply.
A Global Perspective: Europe Leads the Way
Europe’s success in prioritizing renewable energy sources stands in contrast to other regions of the world. While wind and solar are growing in all major economies, coal continues to expand in China, and natural gas usage has increased in the United States. Europe’s policy and market frameworks have enabled renewables to drive down the shares of both coal and gas, demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of clean energy adoption.
Europe is taking advantage of the full swath of affordability, security, and clean air benefits that renewables provide.
– Gregory Nemet, Energy Researcher and IPCC Report Co-author
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, Europe’s clean energy transition serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations to follow. By prioritizing renewable energy sources, phasing out fossil fuels, and investing in innovative technologies, Europe is demonstrating that a sustainable, low-carbon future is within reach.
The Bottom Line: A Brighter, Cleaner Future
The milestone achievement of solar power surpassing coal in Europe’s electricity mix is a testament to the continent’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the world faces the existential threat of climate change, Europe’s success in embracing renewable energy serves as a powerful example of what is possible when policy, innovation, and public support align.
While challenges remain, the rise of solar power and the decline of coal in Europe offer hope for a brighter, cleaner future. As we continue to accelerate the transition to clean energy, we can look forward to a world powered by the sun, the wind, and the ingenuity of the human spirit.
