Record-breaking solar and wind generation swept through many EU countries during May and June, while coal use dropped to its lowest level on record.

In June, solar power produced 22.1 percent of the EU’s electricity, generating 45.4 terawatt hours. That was more than any other source, including nuclear, which came in second with 21.8 percent, followed by wind at 15.8 percent. Compared to the same month in 2024, solar generation jumped by 22 percent.

At least thirteen EU countries hit their highest levels of solar generation ever in June. This surge was driven by years of steady investment in solar infrastructure, combined with long stretches of hot and sunny weather. The increase in solar output helped the power grid handle rising electricity demand brought on by heatwaves late in the month.

Wind power also had an impressive showing. In May and June, wind farms generated more electricity than ever before for those months. May saw wind contribute 16.6 percent of EU electricity, with June just behind at 15.8 percent. These strong results were helped by improved wind conditions and the addition of several large offshore wind farms since June 2024.

Thanks to the boost in solar and wind, coal’s presence in the energy mix continued to shrink. In June 2025, coal supplied just 6.1 percent of EU electricity, down from 8.8 percent a year earlier. Germany and Poland, which together accounted for 79 percent of EU coal generation that month, both saw record lows. Coal provided only 12.4 percent of Germany’s electricity and 42.9 percent of Poland’s. Four more countries also reached their lowest coal use on record in June: Czechia, Bulgaria, Denmark and Spain. Spain is now close to phasing out coal entirely.

Fossil fuels in total made up 23.6 percent of electricity generation in June, just slightly above the all-time low of 22.9 percent from May 2024. However, despite the drop in June, fossil fuel use across the first half of 2025 was 13 percent higher than the same period in 2024. The main reason for this was an increase in gas generation, which rose by 19 percent.

This rise in gas use was linked to lower output from hydro and wind earlier in the year. A persistent drought caused hydropower’s share to fall to 12.5 percent of the electricity mix between January and June, which was a 15 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

At the same time, electricity demand continues to grow. The EU consumed 1,313 terawatt hours in the first half of 2025, a 2.2 percent increase over 2024. Five out of the first six months of the year saw higher demand than the same months last year.

Europe’s energy system is clearly shifting. Solar and wind are hitting new highs, coal is falling fast, and demand keeps climbing. The challenge now is making sure this momentum turns into lasting progress.

Photo by Vormelker from pixabay