Solar Power Dominates Europe’s Energy Mix
Solar energy has reached a historic milestone in Europe. According to Eurostat, solar generated 122,317 GWh in the second quarter of 2025, accounting for 19.9% of the EU’s electricity mix.
In June 2025, solar officially became the largest source of electricity in the EU, producing 22% of the total output, narrowly surpassing nuclear (21.6%), and leaving wind (15.8%), hydroelectric (14.1%), and natural gas (13.8%) behind.
This marked the first time solar has ever topped the EU’s electricity chart, signaling a rapid transformation in Europe’s energy landscape.
Renewables Now Provide More Than Half of EU Electricity
Overall, renewable energy accounted for 54% of net electricity generation in Q2 2025, up from 52.7% a year earlier. The increase came primarily from expanded photovoltaic (PV) output as nations pushed forward on climate and energy independence goals.
Experts credit falling solar installation costs, expanded grid integration, and higher summer output for the record-setting figures.
🇩🇰 Denmark Leads the Way
Some countries outpaced others significantly:
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Denmark recorded the highest renewable electricity share at 94.7%.
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Latvia (93.4%), Austria (91.8%), Croatia (89.5%), and Portugal (85.6%) followed closely.
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By contrast, Slovakia (19.9%), Malta (21.2%), and Czechia (22.1%) posted the lowest renewable shares.
Energy analysts say the divide highlights uneven progress among EU member states, where geography, policy, and infrastructure all play a role in renewable adoption.
Why It Matters
Europe’s shift to solar underscores its drive for energy security, especially following geopolitical tensions that have reshaped global gas markets. The EU’s strong performance also sets a benchmark for other regions, including the U.S., as they work to expand renewable capacity.
“Solar becoming the EU’s largest electricity source is more than symbolic—it shows the continent is serious about climate commitments while maintaining energy independence,” said one industry expert quoted by PV Magazine.
📌 Source: PV Magazine edited for clarity by Oklahoma Energy Today
