Solar overtakes coal in EU power sector, as gas declines for the fifth year in a row

Brussels, 23 January – In 2024, solar generated 11% of EU electricity, overtaking coal which fell below 10% for the first time, according to the European Electricity Review published today by think tank Ember. EU gas generation declined for the fifth year in a row and total fossil generation fell to a historic low.

“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy,” said Dr Chris Rosslowe, senior analyst and lead author of the report. “At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few thought the EU’s energy transition could be where it is today; wind and solar are pushing coal to the margins and forcing gas into structural decline.”

The European Electricity Review published today by global energy think tank Ember provides the first comprehensive overview of the EU power system in 2024. It analyses full-year electricity generation and demand data for 2024 in all EU-27 countries to understand the region’s progress in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electricity.

Media enquiries

Hannah Broadbent
Director of Communications & Strategy, Ember
[email protected]
+44 7759 909060

Full materials

Media Pack

Wind and solar continue their meteoric rise in the EU

The EU power sector is undergoing a deep transformation, spurred on by the European Green Deal. Solar generation (11%) overtook coal (10%) for the first time in 2024, as wind (17%) generated more electricity than gas (16%) for the second year in a row. Strong solar growth, combined with a recovery of hydropower, pushed the share of renewables to nearly half of EU power generation (47%). Fossil fuels generated 29% of the EU’s electricity in 2024. In 2019, before the Green Deal, fossil fuels provided 39% of EU electricity while renewables provided 34%.

The EU is reaping the benefits of reduced fossil fuel dependency

The surge in wind and solar generation has reduced the EU’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and its exposure to volatile prices since the energy crisis. Ember’s analysis found that without new wind and solar capacity added over the last five years, the EU would have imported an additional 92 billion cubic metres of fossil gas and 55 million tonnes of coal, costing €59 billion.

These trends are widespread. Solar is growing in every EU country and more than half now have either no coal power or a share below 5% in their power mix. Coal has fallen from being the EU’s third largest power source in 2019 to the sixth largest in 2024, bringing the end into sight for the dirtiest fossil fuel. EU gas generation also declined for the fifth year in a row (-6%), despite a very small rebound in power demand (+1%).

While the EU’s electricity transition has moved faster than anyone expected in the last five years, further progress cannot be taken for granted. Delivery needs to be accelerated particularly in the wind sector, which has faced unique challenges and a widening delivery gap. Between now and 2030, annual wind additions need to more than double compared to 2024 levels. However, the achievements of the past five years should instil confidence that, with continued drive and commitment, challenges can be overcome and a more secure energy future be achieved.

Dr. Chris Rosslowe
‍Senior Analyst at Ember and Lead Author

The EU is striding closer towards a clean energy future powered by homegrown wind and solar. This new energy system will reduce the bloc’s vulnerability to fossil price shocks, tackle the climate crisis, and deliver affordable energy for its households and companies. Timely policy action that sustains wind and solar growth, accelerates the deployment of clean flexibility, and promotes electrification, will help to secure the future of EU competitiveness.

Dr. Beatrice Petrovich
‍Senior Analyst, Ember

This milestone is about more than just climate action; it is a cornerstone of European energy security and industrial competitiveness. Renewables are steadily pushing fossil fuels to the margins, with solar leading the way. We now need more flexibility to kick-in, making sure the energy system is adapting to new realities: more storage and more smart electrification in heating, transport and industries.

Walburga Hemetsberger
‍CEO, SolarPower Europe

The European Union’s competitiveness is intrinsically tied to the rapid deployment of clean energy and flexibility solutions, paving the way toward affordable and sustainable energy. It comes as no surprise that renewables and energy storage are becoming the cornerstone of the energy transition.

Jacopo Tosoni
‍Head of Policy, EASE

Notes to the editor

The European Electricity Review analyses full-year electricity generation and demand data for 2024 in all EU-27 countries to understand the region’s progress in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electricity

Data Download

Full data release

About Ember

Ember is an independent energy think tank that uses data and policy to accelerate the clean energy transition. It creates targeted data insights to advance policies that urgently shift the world to a clean, electrified energy future.

Learn More