By Newsbase Build-out of solar and wind power has accelerated Europe’s energy transition WHAT: The EU saw solar power surpass coal as a source of power for the first time in 2024. WHY: Falling costs of solar panels helped the EU install a record amount,

The European Union's solar power generation has surpassed coal for the first time, driven by the Russian energy crisis and a push for renewable energy sources, but challenges remain in phasing out fossil fuels entirely.

Solar generated 11% of EU electricity in 2024, overtaking coal which fell below 10% for the first time, according to the European Electricity Review published today by think tank Ember.

The EU's electricity transition has moved faster than anyone could have hoped for, but further progress cannot be taken for granted, experts say. View on euronews

In a landmark shift, solar energy has officially overtaken coal in the EU’s electricity mix for the first time. Last yer solar contributed 11% of the EU’s power, surpassing coal’s 10%, according to Ember’s European Electricity Review. This milestone highlights the rapid transition towards renewables in the region.

The surge in solar, now the European Union's fastest growing energy source, came as capacity additions hit a record high last year.

Though data for December is still pending, wind and solar output for January through November put the country's renewable output above coal for the entire year.

Solar energy generated 11% of EU electricity in 2024, overtaking coal The post Solar overtakes coal as fossil fuels ‘lose grip’ in EU appeared first on The Eco Experts.