2024: The year when solar led the energy transition in Europe, overtaking coal

For the first time in history, solar energy generated more electricity than coal in the European Union during 2024, reaching 11% of the electricity mix. This advance marks a milestone in the energy transition driven by the Green Deal, with significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and fossil fuel import costs.

For the first time in history, solar overtook coal as a source of electricity generation in the European Union, reaching 11% of the electricity mix in 2024, while coal fell to 10%, according to Ember’s European Electricity Review 2025 report. This achievement highlights the rapid advancement of renewables in the region and consolidates the role of solar energy as the driver of the European energy transition.
This milestone not only reflects technological change, but also a profound environmental and economic impact. Emissions from the European electricity sector fell by 9% in 2024, reaching levels less than half of the peak recorded in 2007. “The European Union is getting closer to a clean energy future, led by renewable sources such as wind and sun,” says Beatrice Petrovich, senior analyst at Ember.

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