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Solar becomes EU’s top power source in June 2025

Author: PPD Team Date: 11/07/2025

Solar power generated a record 22.1 per cent of the European Union’s electricity in June 2025, marking the first time it became the region’s largest single energy source. According to Ember, solar produced 45.4 TWh of electricity, surpassing nuclear (21.8 per cent) and wind (15.8 per cent).

The shift was driven by a combination of expanded solar installations and favorable weather conditions. At least 13 EU countries set new solar generation records in June. Wind power also posted strong performance in May and June, contributing to a broader trend of renewable growth.

Coal generation, in contrast, dropped to a historic low of 6.1 per cent (12.6 TWh) in June 2025. This is a significant decline from 8.8 per cent in the same month last year. The bulk of the EU’s coal output came from just two countries, Germany and Poland, which together accounted for 79 per cent of coal-based power.

Germany generated only 12.4 per cent (4.8 TWh) of its electricity from coal, while Poland, despite being more coal-dependent, dropped to 42.9 per cent (5.1 TWh). Four other countries recorded their lowest ever monthly coal shares: Czechia (17.9 per cent), Bulgaria (16.7 per cent), Denmark (3.3 per cent), and Spain (0.6 per cent). Spain is now close to completing its coal phase-out.

However, fossil fuel use still rose slightly in the first half of 2025. This was due to lower hydropower and wind generation earlier in the year, as well as rising electricity demand.

Power Peak Digest observes that while electricity consumption is rising, total energy use is falling. This is because more efficient electric systems are replacing legacy fossil-fuel technologies. For example, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and heat pumps convert energy far more directly and efficiently than internal combustion engines or gas-fired boilers. Over time, the reduced losses across energy conversion and system degradation further contribute to a decline in overall energy demand.

The transition also reduces waste. An internal combustion car that starts at 30–35 per cent efficiency may drop to 15–25 per cent over its life, while electric systems hold performance more consistently. More efficient direct electricity use, lower conversion losses, and fewer moving parts result in not just lower emissions, but less wasted energy overall.

While Ember’s June data still lacks full input from countries like Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Latvia, the early trendlines already point to a decisive pivot away from coal and toward cleaner, more efficient electricity use across Europe.

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