The European Union reached a historic turning point in 2025 as combined wind and solar generation officially surpassed fossil fuel production, marking a decisive shift in the continent’s energy landscape.
A New Power Balance
For the first time on record, wind and solar accounted for 30% of the EU’s electricity mix, edging out fossil fuels, which fell to 29%. This represents a massive acceleration from just five years ago, when the wind and solar share stood at only 20%. Today, these clean sources generate more power than all fossil sources in 14 of the 27 EU Member States.
The Solar Surge
Solar energy remains the fastest-growing component of the transition. In 2025, solar generation grew by over 20% for the fourth consecutive year, reaching a record 369 TWh. Solar now provides 13% of the EU’s total electricity—surpassing both coal and hydro. In countries like Hungary, Greece, and the Netherlands, solar now accounts for more than one-fifth of the national power supply.
The Resilience of Renewables
Despite 2025 being less windy and rainy than the previous year, the overall renewable share remained stable at nearly half of EU power (48%). While hydro output dropped by 12% due to weather conditions, record-breaking solar worked in tandem with wind (which remained the second-largest power source at 17%) to maintain the transition’s momentum.
The Cost of Gas Dependency
While coal has become increasingly marginal—falling to a historic low of 9.2%—the EU remains significantly exposed to fossil gas. A drop in hydro output in 2025 forced an 8% increase in gas generation, pushing the EU’s gas import bill up by 16% to €32 billion. This reliance on gas imports continues to drive wholesale price spikes across 21 EU countries.
Strategic Security and the Battery Frontier
The energy transition is increasingly viewed through the lens of geopolitical security. With a ban on Russian gas imports set for 2027, the EU is focused on reducing “energy blackmail” risks. However, new dependencies on US LNG have emerged, highlighting the need for true energy sovereignty.
The solution lies in flexibility. Battery deployment accelerated significantly in 2025, with a surging pipeline of grid-scale projects. By scaling up batteries and demand flexibility, the EU can store surplus solar and wind energy to meet evening demand, effectively displacing costly gas generators and stabilizing electricity prices.
>> Read the full report at ember-energy.org/latest-insights
