Solar and wind power are becoming the leading sources of electricity in Europe

BarcelonaWind and solar energy generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) for the first time in 2025. Together, these two energy sources reached a record 30% of electricity generation in the EU, compared to fossil fuels, which accounted for 29%. European Electricity Review, of thethink tankBritish Ember, which offers a comprehensive overview of the electrical system in Europe.

The signs of a structural shift are clear across the EU, the report indicates, with wind and solar power generating more electricity than all fossil fuel sources combined in 14 of the 27 EU countries last year. This shift is also reflected in the trend over the past five years, during which these sources have experienced massive growth across the Union, rising from 20% in 2020 to 30% in 2025. Meanwhile, fossil fuels as a source of electricity have fallen from 37% to 29% over the same period. However, electricity generation from gas increased by 8% in the EU by 2025, primarily due to reduced hydropower production. However, gas continues its long-term decline in the EU and last year was still 18% below its 2019 peak. The rise in gas consumption pushed the EU electricity sector's gas import bill to €32 billion in 2025, 16% higher than in 2015. Furthermore, peak gas usage hours led to spikes in electricity prices, with an average increase of 11% during these periods compared to 2024, the report explains.

Storage

A key element for further boosting renewables is batteries, practically the only system for storing solar energy when the sun isn't shining or wind energy when the wind isn't blowing. Batteries are a pending issue, and the report highlights that almost half of the EU's grid-scale batteries are still concentrated in Italy and Germany. However, the report notes that construction has begun or projects have been announced in most EU countries for energy storage projects. Regarding Spain, the report highlights that wind and solar energy combined will account for 42% of electricity generation in 2025. Solar energy generated a record 22% of Spain's electricity last year. Furthermore, although current battery capacity is low relative to installed wind and solar capacity, the project pipeline has reached record levels, the report states. think thank

Although gas-fired electricity generation increased by 19% in the state, it remained 28% below its 2022 peak, says this report, which attributes the increased gas usage to measures taken after the major blackout on April 28. Therefore, it indicates that the increase is expected to be temporary.

"The EU's next priority should be to reduce Seriously, the dependence on expensive imported gas.“Gas not only makes the EU more vulnerable to energy blackmail, but it also drives up prices,” says Beatrice Petrovich, senior energy analyst at Ember. Wilmar Suárez, also an energy analyst at Ember, adds, “There is a huge opportunity for batteries. As one of Europe’s leading solar energy producers, battery projects would allow Spain to use this renewable generation during peak gas consumption hours to further reduce electricity prices.”