In 2024, solar energy in Europe generated more electricity than coal, which analysts called a 'tipping point' in the transition to clean energy. According to a report by the Ember intelligence organization, solar panels accounted for 11% of electricity in the European Union in 2024, while coal-fired plants provided only 10%.
"This is a pivotal moment, since coal is the oldest method of generating electricity, but it is also the most polluting, while solar has become the most popular energy source now," noted energy expert Beatrice Petrovich, who participated in preparing the report.
Using fossil fuels, including coal, for energy generation has been used for launching production in Europe, but fossil fuel sources emit more pollutants contributing to climate change than any other energy source. Coal's share in electricity generation in the EU was 24% in 2007, but since then, this figure has practically halved.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of clean sources for generating electricity. The share of wind and solar energy in 2024 in the EU increased by 29%, while energy from water and nuclear energy also increased after a low level in 2022.
The report links the increase in solar energy use to the growth in the production of solar panels. Even though Europe receives less sunlight than before, the volume of installed solar panels remains record-breaking.
"These are good news, as increasing the use of solar energy will effectively translate into reducing the burning of fossil fuels," said solar energy expert from Bloomberg NEF, Jyne Chese, who did not participate in the report.
Coal was phased out in 16 of the 17 countries that still used it in 2024. Germany and Poland, countries with the highest coal use, reduced their share of fossil fuels in electricity generation.
The report indicates that the European Union is on track to achieve its strategy to install 400 gigawatts of solar energy by 2025 and emphasizes the importance of investments in batteries and smart meters.
