Wind and solar overtake fossil fuels in the EU for the first time

In 2025, wind and solar generated more electricity in the EU than all fossil fuels combined — a milestone analysts have called a genuine tipping point.

Wind and solar overtake fossil fuels in the EU

It happened. In 2025, wind and solar generated 30.1% of EU electricity, versus 29.0% from fossil fuels — for the very first time. Including hydro and nuclear, renewables now cover nearly half the EU's entire electricity demand.

What does this mean?

In 14 of the EU's 27 countries, wind and solar already out-produce fossil fuels. Coal has dropped to 9.2% of electricity generation — down from 23% a decade ago. This is not a trend. It is a transition.

"What we're seeing is no longer a future question. It's the present." – Ember, European Electricity Review 2026

Source: Ember – European Electricity Review 2026, published 22 January 2026.