Solar and wind beat fossil fuels for EU electricity in 2025
Mar 7th 2026
In 2025 the European Union’s combined solar and wind output outpaced electricity from coal, gas and oil, underscoring a major shift in how the bloc generates power and highlighting new needs for grid flexibility and storage.
- Combined solar and wind generation in the European Union exceeded electricity from fossil fuels in 2025.
- The shift reflects rapid additions of wind and solar capacity along with continuing declines in coal use.
- Higher shares of variable renewables increase demand for grid flexibility, storage and cross-border electricity trade.
- The milestone changes energy market dynamics but still requires firm low carbon sources and network upgrades to ensure reliability.