Solar energy topped the EU’s energy balance for the first time in June – Ember

In June, solar generation became the largest source of electricity in the EU for the first time, surpassing nuclear and wind power. At the same time, coal’s contribution to the bloc’s energy balance fell to a historic low. This is evidenced by data from the Ember energy analytics center.

Last month, solar energy accounted for 22.1% (45.4 TWh) of EU electricity production (18.9% in the same period in 2024). These records are due to a record number of sunny periods and the steady installation of solar panels.

At least 13 EU countries, including Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, recorded their highest monthly solar energy production in history.

In June 2025, nuclear energy accounted for 21.8% and wind energy for 15.8% of the total amount of electricity produced. The share of coal in the bloc’s electricity balance fell to a record low of 6.1% during this period.

“This milestone shows how quickly the EU’s energy system is changing,” said Chris Rosslowe, senior energy analyst at Ember and lead author of the report.

According to him, the growth of generation from inexpensive renewable sources is gradually removing the European energy system from the American “roller coaster” of fossil fuel prices.

Despite these figures, in the first half of 2025, the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation increased by 13% year-on-year. This was due to increased gas use to compensate for the weakness of hydropower and wind power at the beginning of the year.

Demand for electricity in the EU in January-June grew by 2.2% y/y – during this period, the bloc consumed 1,313 TWh.

In the EU, average monthly wholesale day-ahead prices in June 2025 showed mixed trends, depending on the market. Last month’s situation was influenced by gas prices, fluctuations in the cost of CO2 emission allowances, hot weather in Europe and the resulting increase in demand, as well as the generation mix.