Solar energy became the European Union’s largest single source of electricity for the first time in June 2025, according to analysis from energy think tank Ember.
Solar provided 22.1% of the EU’s electricity that month, surpassing all other sources. This milestone was supported by a combination of expanded solar capacity and sunny weather, with 13 EU countries recording their highest-ever solar generation.
The Netherlands led the way with solar energy covering 40.5% of its electricity needs, followed by Greece at 35.1%.
“Europe is becoming a solar powerhouse. Non-stop records are not just the result of sunny weather, but also from new solar being built every year,” said Chris Rosslowe, energy analyst at Ember.
The increase in solar helped meet demand during a late-June heatwave. Wind energy also reached new highs, providing 15.8% of EU electricity in June and 16.6% in May.
At the same time, coal generation dropped to a record monthly low of 6.1%, down from 8.8% in June 2024. This decline reflects the growth of renewable energy sources.
Overall, fossil fuel use accounted for 23.6% of electricity generation, slightly above the all-time low of 22.9% set in May 2024.
Germany and Poland, the EU’s top coal users, reached new lows at 12.4% and 42.9% respectively. Czechia (17.9%), Bulgaria (16.7%), Denmark (3.3%) and Spain (0.6%) also recorded historic lows.
Spain is approaching a complete coal phase-out, while Ireland shut its last coal plant on 20 June.
Ten EU countries used no coal at all during the month, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
