Europe's Green Milestone: Renewables Surpass Fossil Fuels for the First Time

The European Union has reached a historic turning point in its transition to sustainable energy. During the 2025–2026 period, the combined electricity generation from wind and solar sources surpassed the total output from all fossil fuel sources, including coal, gas, and oil, for the first time in history. This breakthrough represents a significant shift in the continent's energy landscape and highlights the success of long-term climate policies.

Key statistics from this period show that the share of wind and solar energy has reached 30%, while the contribution from fossil fuels has dropped to 29%. This transition is largely fueled by the remarkable performance of the solar sector, which has maintained a 20% growth rate for four consecutive years. As a result, solar power has now overtaken both coal and hydroelectricity in terms of total generation volume.

The move toward clean energy is evident across the region, with 14 out of the 27 EU member states now seeing renewables as their dominant power source. At the same time, coal generation has hit a historic low, accounting for only 9.2% of the total energy mix. This decline reflects a broader structural move away from carbon-intensive fuels in favor of greener alternatives.

According to the "European Electricity Review 2026" report by the Ember think tank, the data from 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 confirms that renewables are now the primary engine of the EU economy. This is not a temporary trend but a fundamental shift; since 2015, coal-fired generation has plummeted by 40%, and while natural gas usage fluctuates, it remains on a clear downward trajectory.

A major factor in this success has been the "solar explosion." In the last year alone, solar generation increased by 62 TWh, an amount equivalent to the annual output of three large nuclear power plants. This surge was vital for maintaining grid stability, as it compensated for periods when hydroelectric and wind facilities experienced lower output due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Sarah Brown, the director of European programs at Ember, remarked that what was once considered unthinkable is now a reality. She noted that fossil fuels are rapidly exiting the European power sector, with solar and wind energy becoming the new backbone of the region's modern energy infrastructure, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.

Despite the high cost of gas imports, which recently reached €32 billion, the EU's reliance on this fuel is steadily decreasing. Current gas consumption for power generation is 18% lower than the peak recorded in 2019. For countries such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, the transition to renewable energy has become a matter of both national security and economic stability.

Looking toward the future, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the share of low-carbon energy sources, including both renewables and nuclear power, will reach 84% in the EU by 2030. This continued evolution solidifies Europe's position as a global leader in the green energy transition and sets a clear path for the region's long-term environmental goals.