QAZAQ GREEN.  June 2025 marked a historic energy shift in Europe, as solar power overtook all other sources to become the EU’s largest source of electricity. Global energy think tank EMBER reported.

Solar generates 22.1% of EU electricity in June

In June 2025, solar power generated 22.1% (45.4 TWh) of EU electricity — more than any other source. This marks a 22% increase compared to June 2024.

Nuclear came second with 21.8% (44.7 TWh), followed by wind with 15.8% (32.4 TWh).

Record highs across at least 13 EU countries

At least 13 EU countries set new solar records in June, due to continuous installations and long stretches of sunny weather.

These record levels helped meet peak electricity demand during the heatwaves that hit the continent in late June.

Wind sets records for May and June

Wind farms generated 16.6% (33.7 TWh) of EU electricity in May and 15.8% (32.4 TWh) in June — the highest ever for these months.

This marked a strong rebound from earlier in the year and was supported by additional wind capacity, including large offshore projects.

 Coal generation falls to record low

Coal generated just 6.1% (12.6 TWh) of EU electricity in June 2025 — down from 8.8% a year earlier.

Germany and Poland, which accounted for 79% of EU coal generation, both hit record lows:

•             Germany: 12.4% (4.8 TWh)

•             Poland: 42.9% (5.1 TWh)

Czechia (17.9%), Bulgaria (16.7%), Denmark (3.3%), and Spain (0.6%) also saw their lowest ever coal generation levels. Spain is nearing full coal phase-out.

 Fossil fuels: year-on-year increase in H1

Despite record lows in June, fossil fuel generation in H1 2025 was 13% higher than in the first half of 2024 — due to a 19% rise in gas output (+35.5 TWh).

This is attributed to reduced hydro and wind generation during the early part of the year due to drought and poor wind conditions.

Hydropower from January to June fell 15% year-on-year to 164 TWh (12.5%).

Electricity demand grows steadily

Electricity demand in the EU reached 1,313 TWh in the first half of 2025 — a 2.2% increase year-on-year.

Five out of the first six months in 2025 saw higher electricity use compared to the same months in 2024.